Common shore crab

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Latin name – Carcinus maenas
Size – Shell up to 8cm wide
Habitat – Mid shore and rockpools

These crabs will scavenge for food but also eat shrimps, worms, mussels and various other shelled animals which they break apart with their powerful claws. The edge of the crab’s shell is serrated with teeth-like points, which helps to distinguish them from other species.

Common shore crab

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Common Shore Crabs are found on our shores across the UK. They can be identified by their 5 points (called ‘teeth’) on each side of their shell, and 3 lobes between their eyes. Their back legs are not flattened. Photo by Hans Hillewaert.