Chinese mitten crab
Eriocheir sinensis
The Chinese mitten crab is recognizable by its claws covered in dense hair. Invasive species in Europe and North America.
Description
Eriocheir sinensis reaches 5-10 cm of carapace. Its carapace is square, dark brown-green. Its claws (chelipeds) are particularly large and covered with dense bristles giving them a 'mitten' appearance. It is a migratory crab: it lives in fresh or brackish water then descends to the sea to breed. Considered invasive in many regions.
Habitat
Region :
Rivers, estuaries, mangroves. Catadromous migrant: lives in fresh water, breeds in salt water.
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
Minimum 200 L tank with a terrestrial part. Variable salinity depending on stage: fresh-brackish for growth, brackish-salt for breeding. Temperature 10-25°C (cool waters). Opportunistic omnivore: detritus, vegetation, meat, pellets. Strong filtration. Strict quarantine before introduction (invasive species).
Similar species
Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance
