Green Crab (Portunus Sanguinolentus)

A common littoral crab this one is known by multiple names across the world. In the British Isles, this species goes by the name shore crab or green shore crab. This variety is invasive in nature and has been listed in the top 100 “world's worst alien invasive species." Though it is a native to the Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea it can also be found inhabiting Australia, South America and South Africa.

At maturity, the carapace is of a 90 mm width and its food is usually a variety of small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. The colour of this species can vary from green, brown, grey and red. It is believed that those who delay their moulting turn into a red colour. These red ones are considered to be much more aggressive as compared to others.

The presence of green crab can be harmful to the ecosystems and hence its growth is restricted externally. Native blue crab of America contributes largely to the restriction in population. It is therefore fished on a very small scale in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and 1200 tonnes are caught annually. In the native range, the green crab can be used as an important part of soups and sauce.