Max Size: <8 cm (carapace width) (3 in)
Habitat: Estuaries and muddy substrates
Diet: Forages for algae, decaying organic matter
Common Species:
White fingered mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii)
Black fingered (or Atlantic) mud crab (Panopeus herbstii)
Fun Facts:
- Mud crabs are brown to olive green, allowing them to camouflage in their muddy habitat
- Mud crabs are native to the Atlantic Coast of North America but have been accidentally introduced to over 20 different countries throughout the world
- They prefer to spend most of their time wedged into safe nooks and crevices, or bury themselves in the mud when not foraging.
- Even though R. harrisii (white fingered) and P. herbstii (black fingered) may often be distinguished by their claw coloring, it is thought that they may hybridize, making identification difficult