About Liocarcinus depurator (Linnaeus, 1758)
Liocarcinus depurator, also historically referred to as Polybius depurator, is commonly known by the common names harbour crab or sandy swimming crab. This species of crab is found in the North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. Adults of the species grow up to 50 millimetres (2.0 in) in carapace width and 40 millimetres (1.6 in) in length. It can be distinguished from other crab species, such as the shore crab Carcinus maenas, by the curved rows of white spots on its carapace. This species was first formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, in the 10th edition of his work Systema Naturae. It has one recognized scientific synonym: Portunus plicatus, which was published by Antoine Risso in 1816. Female Liocarcinus depurator reach sexual maturity within their first year of life. In the Mediterranean Sea, individuals of this species reach their peak reproductive activity during winter.
