This crab varies in colour a lot and looks similar to other native species although is an invasive crab listed amongst the 100 most damaging intruders in the world coming in at number 18. It is an aggressive feeder and can out compete native species for food, now widespread and common species in Tasmania and considered naturalised. Unfortunately this means there is little that can be done to remove this crab as it's range expands around the world. 

Believed to have been introduced in Australia a century ago in dry ballast it has since spread across the southern states, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia. 

Locally it is common along Tomahawk Beach, West Tomahawk Beach and Waterhouse Conservation Area, from beachcombing to foraging through rock pools you are sure to come across this species. 

Similar Species include Ovalipes australiensis, Nectocarcinus integrifrons, Nectocarcinus tuberculosus

At a glance

Habitat This versatile crab can survive in many environments from low salinities of around 4% up to around 52% and temperature ranges from 0 to 30 °C. Locally it is found along shore lines and estuaries under rocks and shore debris
Size Can grow up to 70mm across the carapace, although larger specimens have been found up to 100mm
Origin Introduced
Distribution Native to European and North African coasts, in Australia it is found from NSW to South Australia including around Tasmania
Descriptions
Distribution
Native to European and North African coasts, in Australia it is found from NSW to South Australia including around Tasmania
Habitat
This versatile crab can survive in many environments from low salinities of around 4% up to around 52% and temperature ranges from 0 to 30 °C. Locally it is found along shore lines and estuaries under rocks and shore debris
Size
Can grow up to 70mm across the carapace, although larger specimens have been found up to 100mm

Identification

To identify this crab, examine the shape of the carapace, especially the notches or anterolateral teeth (the triangular spines located to the outside of the eyes). There should be five of these teeth. Additionally, note that the last leg is pointed rather than rounded, lacking a swimming paddle. The images below illustrate these features for reference.

There are other features such as the shape of the frontal region however the above two characteristics are the easiest to spot colour also varies greatly from pale greenish whites to greenish browns depending on age of the crab.

Common Name European Green Crab
Aliases European Shore Crab, Green Crab,
Origin Introduced
Conservation No Conservation Status
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Articles

Articles

Identifying Crabs at Tomahawk Beach
Distribution and map

Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumCrustacea
SuperclassMulticrustacea
ClassMalacostraca
SubclassEumalacostraca
SuperorderEucarida
OrderDecapoda
SuborderPleocyemata
InfraorderBrachyura
SectionEubrachyura
SuperfamilyPortunoidea
FamilyCarcinidae
GenusCarcinus
SpeciesCarcinus maenas
Synonyms

Synonyms

Portunus carcinoides Kinahan, 1857
Megalops montaguii Leach, 1817
Carcinus moenas (Linnaeus, 1758)
Carcinus granulatus (Say, 1817)
Cancer viridis Herbst, 1783
Cancer rhomboidalis Montagu, 1804
Cancer pygmeus Fabricius, 1787
Cancer granarius Herbst, 1783
References and dates
Original View Original Descriptions
Bibliography View page references
Added Tue 22 Oct 2024 @ 08:39 AM
Updated Fri 18 Sep 2026 @ 16:40 PM
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Files
Type Details Version Size Added Updated Links
Carcinus maenas Profile Sheet
A species profile sheet detailing information about this species
 2.0.1 1.7 MB Wed 11 Dec 2024 Tue 23 Dec 2025 Download Info
26 Common Crabs of Tasmania Poster
An A3 poster of the 26 common crabs of Tasmania
 1.0.1 8.2 Mon 12 Jan 2026 Mon 12 Jan 2026 Download Info

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.