Native to the western North Pacific Ocean, this crab reached New Jersey in 1988, probably in ship ballast water. Has now reached from Maine to North Carolina. Carapace (body shell) is about 1.5 inches (35mm) across, squarish and mottled green, purple or brown. Grows in intertidal zone, hides under rocks, preys on native shellfish.

 

Clawed and considered aggressive. Could displace existing crab population. May outcompete lobsters, mussels and crabs. Report crab sightings here.

 

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