DecaNet eds. (2026). DecaNet. Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=107381 on 2026-03-31
accepted
Valid name (ICZN) or name considered to be taxonomically correct (ICBN)
Species
An account of the Crustacea of the United States.
Versuch einer Naturgeschichte der Krabben und Krebse nebst einer systematischen Beschreibung ihrer verschiedenen Arten. Erster Band. Mit XXI Kupfer-Tafeln und Register. Krabben. Joh. Casper Fuessly, Zürich / Gottlieb August Lange, Berlin und Stralsund, iv + 274 pp., 21 pls.
Herbst, J.F.W. (1782-1790). Versuch einer Naturgeschichte der Krabben und Krebse nebst einer systematischen Beschreibung ihrer verschiedenen Arten. Erster Band. Mit XXI Kupfer-Tafeln und Register. Krabben. Joh. Casper Fuessly, Zürich / Gottlieb August Lange, Berlin und Stralsund, iv + 274 pp., 21 pls.
Systema Naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. [The system of nature through the three kingdoms of nature, according to classes, orders, genera, species, with characters, differences, synonyms, places.]
Linnaeus, C. (1758). Systema Naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. [The system of nature through the three kingdoms of nature, according to classes, orders, genera, species, with characters, differences, synonyms, places.]. Impensis Direct. Laurentii Salvii. Holmiae [Stockholm]. 1(10) [iii], 824 p.
Mantissa Insectorum Sistens Eorum Species Nuper Detectas Adjectis Characteribus Genericis Differentiis Specificis, Emendationibus, Observationibus. Tome I. Hafniae: Christ. Gottl. Proft. xvi + 348 pp.
Fabricius, J. C. (1787). Mantissa Insectorum Sistens Eorum Species Nuper Detectas Adjectis Characteribus Genericis Differentiis Specificis, Emendationibus, Observationibus. Tome I. Hafniae: Christ. Gottl. Proft. xvi + 348 pp.
Description of several marine animals found on the south coast of Devonshire
Montagu, G. (1804). Description of several marine animals found on the south coast of Devonshire. Transactions of the Linnean Society, London. 7: 61-85, pls. 6-7.
Malacostraca Podophthalmata Britanniae; or descriptions of such British species of the Linnean genus Cancer as have their eyes elevated on footstalks. Illustrated with figures of all species by John Sowerby, F.L.S. G.S. & W.S. &c. John Sowerby, Lambeth, London, 124 pp., pls. 1–45. [Part 1 (pls. 8, 14, 22): 1 January 1815; Part 2 (pls. 4, 15, 40): 1 March 1815; Part 3 (pls. 17, 28A, 28B): 1 May 1815; Part 4 (pls. 19, 29, 41): 1 July 1815; Part 5 (pls. 23, 30): 1 Sept. 1815; Part 6 (pls. 1, 2, 26): 1 November 1815; Part 7 (pls. 24, 36): 1 January 1816; Part 8 (pls. 3, 12, 13): 1 March 1816; Part 9 (pls. 7, 42, 43): 1 May 1816; Part 10 (Pps. 6, 31, 32): 1 July 1816; Part 11 (pls. 9, 11, 33): 1 September 1816; Part 12 (pls. 5, 21A, 21B): 1 November 1816; Part 1 (pls. 18, 20): 1 January 1817; Part 14 (pls. 10, 25, 44): 1 March 1817; Part 15 (pls. 22B, 37A, 37B): 1 July 1817; Part 16 (pls. 22C, 36, 39): 1 December 1817; Part 17 (pls. 9B, 10): 1 March 1820; Parts 18, 19 (pls. 9A, 24A, 27, 34, 35, 37C, 45): November 1875]
Leach, W.E. (1815-1875). Malacostraca Podophthalmata Britanniae; or descriptions of such British species of the Linnean genus Cancer as have their eyes elevated on footstalks. Illustrated with figures of all species by John Sowerby, F.L.S. G.S. & W.S. &c. John Sowerby, Lambeth, London, 124 pp., pls. 1–45. [Part 1 (pls. 8, 14, 22): 1 January 1815; Part 2 (pls. 4, 15, 40): 1 March 1815; Part 3 (pls. 17, 28A, 28B): 1 May 1815; Part 4 (pls. 19, 29, 41): 1 July 1815; Part 5 (pls. 23, 30): 1 Sept. 1815; Part 6 (pls. 1, 2, 26): 1 November 1815; Part 7 (pls. 24, 36): 1 January 1816; Part 8 (pls. 3, 12, 13): 1 March 1816; Part 9 (pls. 7, 42, 43): 1 May 1816; Part 10 (Pps. 6, 31, 32): 1 July 1816; Part 11 (pls. 9, 11, 33): 1 September 1816; Part 12 (pls. 5, 21A, 21B): 1 November 1816; Part 1 (pls. 18, 20): 1 January 1817; Part 14 (pls. 10, 25, 44): 1 March 1817; Part 15 (pls. 22B, 37A, 37B): 1 July 1817; Part 16 (pls. 22C, 36, 39): 1 December 1817; Part 17 (pls. 9B, 10): 1 March 1820; Parts 18, 19 (pls. 9A, 24A, 27, 34, 35, 37C, 45): November 1875].
On Xantho rivulosa and other decapodous Crustacea occurring at Valentia Island, Co. Kerry
Kinahan, J.R. (1857). On Xantho rivulosa and other decapodous Crustacea occurring at Valentia Island, Co. Kerry. The Natural History Review. 4: 57-70.
National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System (NEMESIS)
Fofonoff, P.W.; Ruiz, G.M.; Steves, B.; Carlton, J.T. (2014-2024). National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System (NEMESIS).
Baseline information survey of shelter island - a potential marine park. Final report
Kei LWK. & Lau SCK. (1994). Baseline information survey of shelter island - a potential marine park. Final report. Submitted to the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, The Hong Kong SAR Government.
Referentiematrices en Ecotoopoppervlaktes Annex bij de Evaluatiemethodiek Schelde-estuarium Studie naar “Ecotoopoppervlaktes en intactness index”. [Reference matrices and Ecotope areas Annex to the Evaluation methodology Scheldt estuary Study on “Ecotope areas and intactness index”.
Maris, T., O. Beauchard, S. Van Damme, E. Van den Bergh, S. Wijnhoven & P. Meire. (2013). Referentiematrices en Ecotoopoppervlaktes Annex bij de Evaluatiemethodiek Schelde-estuarium Studie naar “Ecotoopoppervlaktes en intactness index”. [Reference matrices and Ecotope areas Annex to the Evaluation methodology Scheldt estuary Study on “Ecotope areas and intactness index”. Monitor Taskforce Publication Series, 2013-01. NIOZ: Yerseke. 35 pp.
Marine Biology Section, Ugent. Belgium. INRAM. Benthic fauna monitoring- SSD - Belgian Science Policy.
Türkay, M. (2001). Decapoda, in: Costello, M.J. et al. (Ed.) (2001). European register of marine species: a check-list of the marine species in Europe and a bibliography of guides to their identification. Collection Patrimoines Naturels, 50: pp. 284-292
Faune de Madagascar. XVI Crustaces Decapodes: Portunidae
Crosnier, A. (1962). Faune de Madagascar. XVI Crustaces Decapodes: Portunidae. Faune de Madagascar. 16: 1-154, pls. 1-13.
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Muller, Y. (2004). Faune et flore du littoral du Nord, du Pas-de-Calais et de la Belgique: inventaire. [Coastal fauna and flora of the Nord, Pas-de-Calais and Belgium: inventory]. Commission Régionale de Biologie Région Nord Pas-de-Calais: France. 307 pp.
Cobscook Bay inventory: a historical checklist of marine invertebrates spanning 162 years
Trott, T. J. (2004). Cobscook Bay inventory: a historical checklist of marine invertebrates spanning 162 years. Northeastern Naturalist. 11, 261-324.
De krabben van Nederland en Belgie (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura). Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum: Leiden, The Netherlands, 244 pp
Adema, J.P.H.M. (1991). De krabben van Nederland en Belgie (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura). Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum: Leiden, The Netherlands, 244 pp.
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Tepolt, C. K. (2014). Adaptation in marine invasion: a genetic perspective. Biological Invasions. 17(3): 887-903.
Carcinus maenas. Photo by Hans Hillewaert on board of RV Belgica at Westdiep on 28/09/2005.
Carapace from a beach in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Melisa Wong
Carcinus maenas and Botrylloides violaceus
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Monica Bravo
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Catriona Day
A picture of a green crab, Carcinus maenas (L. 1758) taken in Deming Island (45°12'44.81''N, 61°10'26.07''W), NS, Canada on 19 September 2016.
Young green crab, Carcinus maenas, (L. 1758)
Picture taken in Deming Island (45°12'44.81''N, 61°10'26.07''W), Nova Scotia, Canada on 01 August 2016.
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - European waters (ERMS scope)
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - North West Atlantic
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - North Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Scheldt estuary
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Lombardsijde
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - North East Atlantic
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Oostende
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Zeebrugge
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - De Panne
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - English Channel
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Westerschelde
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - West Africa
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Bray-Dunes
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Bredene
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - British Isles
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Grevelingen
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Icelandic Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Mediterranean Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Middelkerke
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - West Coast of Norway
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Oostduinkerke
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Oosterschelde
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Red Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Sas van Goes
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Voordelta
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Wadden Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Madagascar
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Wimereux
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - USA
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Azores Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Table Bay
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Saldanha Bay
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - FAO fishing area 34
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - FAO fishing area 47
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - West Coast of South Africa
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - East Atlantic
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Mauritanian Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - West Atlantic
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - East Pacific
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Australia
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Gulf of Maine
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Belgian Coast
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Zeeschelde
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Spuikom
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - De Haan
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Canada
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Atlantic Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - United Kingdom
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Irish Exclusive economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Moroccan Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Japan
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - South Africa (country)
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Gulf of St. Lawrence
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Australian part of the Great Australian Bight
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - United States Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Australian Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Canadian part of the North Pacific Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Myanmar Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Pakistani Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - South Atlantic
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - North Atlantic
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Indian Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Gulf of Guinea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - North Pacific
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Coastal Waters of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Caribbean Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Canadian part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - United States part of the North Atlantic Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - United States
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Fundy Bay
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Canadian part of the North Atlantic Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Brazilian part of the South Atlantic Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Panama
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - United States part of the North Pacific Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Australian part of the Tasman Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Azores part of the North Atlantic Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - United States part of the The Coastal Waters of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Australian part of the Bass Strait
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Australian part of the Indian Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Argentinean Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Hawaiian part of the North Pacific Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Elkhorn Slough
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Hout Bay
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Baltic sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Bay of Biscay
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Celtic Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Irish Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Kattegat
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Skagerrak
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Norwegian Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Balear Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Moroccan part of the North Atlantic Ocean
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Alboran Sea
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Canadian part of the Coastal Waters of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia
Distribution for Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) - Argentinean part of the South Atlantic Ocean
Native
Species that is native to the country or sea area
Alien
Species introduced by man into places out of their natural range of distribution
Uncertain
Species whose invasiveness is uncertain
Invasive
Species that are known to be invasive- those species in whose cases evidence of impact has been recorded or which is spreading aggressively
Not specified
A species whose 'invasiveness' has not been specified in its introduced range. The species is known to be present and has been reported but there is no comment on its invasiveness
Of concern
Species that are demonstrating aggressive spread and there is concern about its spread OR species where some concern has been recorded- this may be due to known records of its invasiveness and impacts in other areas of their known introduced range
Reported
Species that are 'reported' to be present but with no further information
Established
Species that have become established in their introduced range
Established and expanding
Species that have become established in their introduced range and are known to be increasing in abundance and expanding their range
Taxon Description Functional group for Taxon denoted by name 106673
Taxon Description Body size for Taxon denoted by name 107381
Taxon Description Supporting structure & enclosure for Taxon denoted by name 1066
Taxon Description AMBI ecological group for Taxon denoted by name 107381
Taxon Description Body size (qualitative) for Taxon denoted by name 1130
Taxon Description Nomenclature code for Taxon denoted by name 2
Taxon Description Etymology classification for Taxon denoted by name 880706
Taxon Description Etymology classification for Taxon denoted by name 148484
Taxon Description Etymology classification for Taxon denoted by name 148482
Taxon Description Etymology classification for Taxon denoted by name 423909
Taxon Description Etymology classification for Taxon denoted by name 453932
Taxon Description Etymology classification for Taxon denoted by name 452350
Taxon Description Etymology classification for Taxon denoted by name 452356
Taxon Description Etymology classification for Taxon denoted by name 148490
Specification Context: Life stage adult
Specification Context: Life stage larva
Specification Context: Unit mm
Specification Context: Dimension length
Specification Context: Type maximum
Specification Context: Type minimum
Specification Context: Locality (MRGID) 1920
Specification Context: Type unknown
Specification Context: Dimension breadth
Specification Context: Structure Solid
Specification Context: Composition Chitinous
Specification Context: Composition Amorphous calcium carbonate
Specification Context: Composition Calcite