Description: A common medium-sized crab, measuring 4 - 8 cm across the carapace. Colour in this species can vary, usually to match their environment, but it is most commonly mottled olive green to dark brown on top and lighter yellow-green on the underside. The carapace has five teeth pointed teeth either side of the eyes, with 3 rounded lobes between the eyes. The first pair of legs (chelipeds) have well-developed, evenly sized pincers. Tips of the walking legs pointed.

Habitat: Widespread in a variety of habitats from the upper shore to shallow sublittoral. Also found in estuaries.

Distribution: A very common species found around all coasts of UK and Ireland.

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Key Identification Features:

• Five pointed teeth at either side of eyes.
• Three rounded lobes between eyes
• Well-developed, evenly sized pincers.

Distribution Map from NBN: Carcinus maenas at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Carcinus maenas at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Carcinus maenas at World Register of Marine Species.