Mittin Crabs

These crabs, native to East Asia, have been spotted in various waterways across Long Island.

A bit about these critters:

Biology​

• Can reach up to 4 inches across their olive/brown carapace (shell)
• Distinctive claws with white tips and furry "mitten" appearance
• 8 long spiked walking legs about twice as long as their body

Spawning Habits​

• Live most of their lives in freshwater rivers/streams
• Migrate downstream in late summer/fall to spawn in saltwater bays/oceans
• Females can carry up to 1 million eggs!
• Larvae develop in brackish waters before migrating back upstream as juveniles

Threats​

These mitten crabs pose several serious threats to our ecosystem and fisheries:

• Preying on fish eggs, plants, and other invertebrates - disrupting food chains
• Outcompeting native species like blue crabs
• Burrowing damages banks, levees, increasing erosion/flood risks
• Clogging intake pipes at power plants and water facilities
• Interfering with commercial/recreational fishing operations

While the full impact in our waters is still unknown, other regions like the Chesapeake Bay and San Francisco Bay have seen major issues from this invasive species.

Hmmm........come fall, might be a cheaper alternative to white crabs....just sayin 😉

They may replace the white crabs.

someone say TOG!!!!!!!! 😛 😉,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ><)))):>
><)))):>