Green Crab (Carcinus maenas)

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Live Green Crab (Carcinus maenas)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) is a small, hardy crustacean commonly found in Maine’s intertidal zones beneath rocks and seaweed. Recognizable by its brownish-green shell and aggressive nature, this species is one of the most abundant—and invasive—crabs along the New England coast. Despite its reputation, the Green Crab is a valuable specimen for studying marine ecology, invasive species biology, and crustacean anatomy. Sustainably hand-collected from the Gulf of Maine, these live specimens are ideal for aquariums, classrooms, and marine science research.

Key Facts:
Common name: Green crab
Scientific name: Carcinus maenas
Locations: In and under seaweeds and rocks of the intertidal zone
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: Brownish green
Size: 1" – 6"
Collected: By hand or lobster traps
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com

Live Green Crab (Carcinus maenas)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) is a small, hardy crustacean commonly found in Maine’s intertidal zones beneath rocks and seaweed. Recognizable by its brownish-green shell and aggressive nature, this species is one of the most abundant—and invasive—crabs along the New England coast. Despite its reputation, the Green Crab is a valuable specimen for studying marine ecology, invasive species biology, and crustacean anatomy. Sustainably hand-collected from the Gulf of Maine, these live specimens are ideal for aquariums, classrooms, and marine science research.

Key Facts:
Common name: Green crab
Scientific name: Carcinus maenas
Locations: In and under seaweeds and rocks of the intertidal zone
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: Brownish green
Size: 1" – 6"
Collected: By hand or lobster traps
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com

Tidepool Tim shows the destructive digging of invasive green crabs as they devour young soft shell clams on a beach in Pembroke, Maine on Cobscook Bay.

Male (large clawed) and female green crabs.

Male (large clawed) and female green crabs.

Tidepool Tim says, "Green crabs are invasive to the Gulf of Maine, and they are now quite widespread. We find these hiding underneath large, flat rocks in rocky intertidal areas.  We might flip one rock and see 2 or 3 large crabs. When you pick one up, approach it from behind with your hand and pinch its "shoulders" in and forward to brace his claws away from your fingers. The big ones have a strong pinch. Or find a small soft shell to pick up and you won't have to worry."

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