Hairy crab facts for kids

The term Hairy crab usually refers to two types of crabs that have furry or hairy claws and legs! The most famous one is the Chinese mitten crab, known for its delicious taste in Asian cooking. Another type is Pilumnus hirtellus, a smaller crab found in European waters.

The Chinese Mitten Crab

The Chinese mitten crab (scientific name: Eriocheir sinensis) is a fascinating creature. It gets its name from the thick, furry patches on its claws, which look a bit like mittens! These crabs are usually greenish-brown and can grow quite large. Their shell can be up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) wide. They are also known as "Shanghai hairy crab" because they are a very popular food in Shanghai, China.

What Makes Them Special?

Chinese mitten crabs are unique because they can live in both fresh water and salty water. This means they can be found in rivers, estuaries (where rivers meet the sea), and even coastal ocean areas. Their special ability to adapt helps them travel long distances. The "mittens" on their claws are not just for show; they might help the crab grip things or even filter food from the water.

Where Do They Live?

These crabs originally come from the rivers and coasts of East Asia. This includes countries like China and Korea. However, they are very good at traveling! They have spread to many other parts of the world, including Europe and North America. They often travel by attaching themselves to ships. When they arrive in new places, they can sometimes cause problems for local ecosystems. This is because they compete with native species for food and space. They can also damage riverbanks by burrowing into them.

Their Amazing Life Cycle

The life cycle of the Chinese mitten crab is quite remarkable. Adult crabs live in fresh water for most of their lives. When it's time to reproduce, they begin a long journey. They migrate downstream towards the ocean. This journey can be hundreds of kilometers long! Once they reach salty water, they mate. The female crab carries thousands of tiny eggs under her body. After the eggs hatch, the baby crabs (called larvae) float in the ocean. As they grow, they slowly move back into fresh water to complete their life cycle. This incredible migration happens every year.

Hairy Crabs and Food

In China, especially around Shanghai, the Chinese mitten crab is a highly prized food. It is considered a delicacy, especially in the autumn months. People enjoy eating them steamed, often with ginger and vinegar. The meat is sweet, and the roe (eggs) are considered a special treat. Because they are so popular, there are special farms where these crabs are raised. This helps to meet the high demand for them.

The European Hairy Crab

Another type of crab sometimes called a "hairy crab" is Pilumnus hirtellus. This crab is much smaller than the Chinese mitten crab. It is a native species found in the waters around Europe.

Meet the Pilumnus Hirtellus

Pilumnus hirtellus is a small crab that lives in rocky areas along the coast. It has a reddish-brown body and, like its name suggests, it also has hairs on its legs and claws. These hairs are not as thick or mitten-like as those on the Chinese mitten crab. This European hairy crab is not typically eaten by humans. It plays a role in its local marine ecosystem, often hiding among rocks and seaweed.