🦋 Identification Guide

How to Identify Carcinidae

3 species · Animalia · Order Decapoda

Carcinidae is a animal family in the Animalia kingdom, order Decapoda, class Malacostraca. The family contains 3 accepted species worldwide.

Key Identification Features

maenas rather than a distinct standalone species.
The two species can be visually distinguished by the shape of the front of the carapace between the eyes: this region is short and toothed in C.
On average, juvenile crabs show more distinct patterning than adult crabs.

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Representative Carcinidae Species

Carcinus aestuarii Nardo, 1847

Carcinus aestuarii, the Mediterranean green crab, is a distinct littoral crab na…

Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758)

Carcinus maenas, the European green crab, is a widespread invasive crab native t…

Browse all 3 Carcinidae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Carcinidae?

Carcinidae animals belong to the Decapoda order in the Animalia kingdom. maenas rather than a distinct standalone species. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.

What are the key characteristics of Carcinidae?

Carcinidae is classified in the order Decapoda, class Malacostraca, phylum Arthropoda. The two species can be visually distinguished by the shape of the front of the carapace between the eyes: this region is short and toothed in C.

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer

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