The Chinese hairy crab is an invasive species with a growing population, so authorities in the UK are advising people to report any sightings.
Chinese hairy crabs can grow as large as a plate and have distinctive hairs on their legs. Photo: Mikelane45/Getty
The Chinese hairy crab ( Eriocheir sinensis ), also known as the Shanghai hairy crab, is a crustacean native to East Asia, New Scientist reported on October 13. Its distinguishing feature is its claws covered in hair like gloves. Its body is grayish-blue or dark brown, typically reaching about 8 cm in length, but its legs can extend twice that length.
Over the past century, the Chinese hairy crab has spread to many areas around the world , including Europe and North America, where it is considered an invasive species. They typically live in freshwater environments such as rivers, canals, and estuaries.
Chinese hairy crabs can damage the environment by burrowing into riverbeds, blocking waterways, and damaging fishing gear with their sharp claws. Experts also worry they may eat fish eggs and consume the resources of native species.
This species was first discovered in England in 1935 on the River Thames. Since then, they have been found throughout England. Recently, people have even spotted large numbers of hairy crabs crawling around the waters in Cambridgeshire.
The Natural History Museum is running a "Hairy Crab Watch" program, urging people to report sightings. The UK Department for Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs is also encouraging people to report hairy crab sightings. This could help experts track populations and prevent the spread of eggs.
"Their numbers are increasing because they have a very unusual lifestyle. After migrating downstream, mature females can lay three clutches of eggs," explains Paul Clark, an expert at the Natural History Museum. Clark says each clutch can contain 500,000 to 1,000,000 eggs.
To address the growing hairy crab population in England, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Welland and Deepings Drainage Authority, and the Natural History Museum collaborated to install the first permanent hairy crab traps in Pode Hole, Lincolnshire, in August.
Thu Thao (According to New Scientist )
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