Chinese Mitten Crab
By Katie Petrillo and Claire Roane
The Chinese Mitten Crab
What does the Chinese Mitten Crab do that is a big problem?
The Chinese Mitten Crab arrived from Asia but no one knows how. The big problem is that when they get here in the US the currents,and waves push them to the rivers like the Hudson River. That’s is where the Mitten Crab competes with the Blue Crab for homes food and other things.
Globe-Trotting
The Mitten crab can travel extreme distances. For example, in China they migrated 1,500 kilometers along some rivers. Although, ships can carry them much further. How far, you ask? Try all the way to Europe and North America! Thats really far!
Photos to identify Chinese Mitten Crab
Broad, U-shaped abdomen of adult female crab
Mitten Crab Claw
Narrow V-shaped abdomen of adult male crab
How to help
If you ever find or catch a mitten crab these will be some good questions to keep in mind.
- Where and when did you see or catch the crab?
- Did you see any other crabs nearby?
- Were they alive or dead?
- Do you know what gender they were? (Tip: The male's abdomen is V-shaped, the female's is U-shaped, as seen in pictures above).
- How large was it?
If you ever do find a mitten crab report it to a museum a soon as possible so we can stop this unwanted crab from spreading.
Works Cited
"Chinese Mitten Crabs." Natural History Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2013.
"Seven Bridges Library-Media Center." Seven Bridges Library-Media Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2013.