Common shore crab  (Carcinus maenas)

Species information

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Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

  • Carapace: the top shell of a turtle. In arthropods (insects, crabs etc), the fused head and thorax (the part of the body located near the head) also known as 'cephalothorax'.
  • Larvae: stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
  • Planktonic: aquatic organisms that drift with water movements; may be either phytoplankton (plants), or zooplankton (animals).

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (January, 2003)
    http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
  2. Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1996) A student's guide to the seashore. Second Edition.Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
  3. Buczacki, S. (2002) Fauna Britannica.Hamlyn, London.
  4. Pizzolla, P.F, 2002. Carcinus maenas. Common shore crab. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. (November, 2002)
    http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Carcinusmaenas.htm
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