Harris’ mud crab

Scientific name

Rhithropanopeus harrisii

Key features

Key features of Harris’ mud crab include:

• greenish brown to olive green
• white-tipped, uneven sized claws
• hairy abdomen
• four blunt spines either side of body
• shell about 1-2cm wide.

Habitat

The Harris’ mud crab:

• found in shallow brackish, fresh or marine waters
• found in sandy and muddy environments, under rocks and stones, in vegetation and oyster beds and in water intake pipes.

Impacts

The Harris’ mud crab:

• competes with native species
• host of several crustacean diseases
• fouls water intake pipes
• damages commercial catch in fishing nets.

Known established populations

The Harris’ mud crab is currently not present in Victoria.