Brush-clawed shore crab

Photo credits: ©Arjan Gittenberger; ©Hans Hillewaert

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Hemigrapsus takanoi - brush-clawed shore crab

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Description:

• H. takanoi is a small crab, reaching 2.5cm in length across its square cephalothorax. It is dark in colour, ranging from greyish to greenish to brown; its legs are banded. The males have a dense tuft of yellow bristles on their claws
• It is found in intertidal areas of mudflats, estuaries and lagoons.
  

  Download N.I.E.A ID guide

  

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Origin and Worldwide Distribution:

• This species is found in Japan and Korea. Its wider distribution is to be yet to be confirmed as it has been distinguished from a similar species.
• It is invasive in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.

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Potential or Known Impacts:

• It may outcompete native crab species for food and shelter. It has a highly reproductive potential, and the ability to grow quickly. It has a broad diet, and may predate on native shellfish.

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How did it/could it get here?

• It could be spread by hull-fouling from ships or by their ballast water.
• Planktonic larvae may be moved by water currents. Adults may be hitchhike in narrow crevices on ropes, anchor boxes or in farmed oyster boxes.

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Is it found in Northern Ireland?

• It is not found in Northern Ireland

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Methods for Prevention:

• Do not introduce.
• Make sure that all equipment is cleaned before moving between different water bodies.
• Do not move water from one water body to another.
• Report all sightings.

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You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App. For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk  

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