Photo: Paul Erikson

First spotted in New Jersey in 1988, the Asian shore crab has spread south to North Carolina and north into Massachusetts.

This crab is a marine bioinvader because it is an organism that has been introduced into a new marine environment. Because it is a non-native species, it can have an influence on coastal ecosystems—this crab is known to eat native species and plants.

Scientists are busy studying the potential impacts of this marine bioinvader.

How do you think this crab travels to its new environment?

To find the answer and more information about this crab, check out http://massbay.mit.edu/..

Aliases: Asian shore crab, Japanese shore crab.

Place of origin: Shores of the western North Pacific Ocean (Asia)

Distinguishing traits:
-carapace (main body part) is square-shaped with three spines* on each side.
-legs have a pattern of alternating light and dark colors.
-claws have small spots.
-carapace is marked with spots or blotches of color. Color can be green to purple to orange-brown.

Last seen: Under rocks in the intertidal** zone during low tide.

Regional sitings: Massachusetts to North Carolina.

*spine: pointed projection

**intertidal: the area between high and low tide.

Identify body parts