European Green Crab
Carcinus maenas
Also known as: Green Crab; Shore Crab; Five-Spine Crab
Size & Weight
Average Length
2.5"
Max Length
4.0"
Average Weight
0.1 lbs
Max Weight
0.3 lbs
Lifespan
4 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 20 ft
Water Temp
50-64°F
Estuaries; mudflats; intertidal zones; eelgrass beds; shallow bays
Behavior
Spawning Season
Spring-Summer
Migration: None - invasive colonizer
Diet: Clams; mussels; oysters; small crabs; worms
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round (invasive - harvest encouraged)
Techniques: Crab pots; crab rings; hand collection
Best Bait: Chicken; fish carcass; squid
Eating Quality
Edibility
Fair
Makes good stock; small meat yield
Fun Facts
Five spines outside each eye (unique identifier); three bumps between eyes; color varies green/black/yellow; 2-4 inch carapace; threatens native shellfish and eelgrass; 35/day limit OR
How to Identify
Five spines outside each eye (unique); three bumps between eyes; variable color (green, black, yellow, orange); 2-4 inch shell width
Official Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 11:46 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 11:46 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | — |
| Feb 02, 2026 11:46 AM | Added image | — | species-109-55037868bdd2cfc2.jpg | Source: WDFW |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Depth Max Ft | — | 20 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | — |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Lifespan Years | — | 4 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Max Weight | — | 0.35 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Avg Weight | — | 0.15 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Max Length | — | 4.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 2.5 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Identification Tips | — | Five spines outside each eye (unique); three bumps between eyes; variable color (green, black, yellow, orange); 2-4 inch shell width |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Sources | — | WDFW; ODFW |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Fun Facts | — | Five spines outside each eye (unique identifier); three bumps between eyes; color varies green/black/yellow; 2-4 inch carapace; threatens native shell... |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Conservation Status | — | Invasive - Harvest Encouraged |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Flavor Profile | — | Makes good stock; small meat yield |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Edibility Rating | — | Fair |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated PNW Season | — | Year-round (invasive - harvest encouraged) |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Best Bait | — | Chicken; fish carcass; squid |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Fishing Techniques | — | Crab pots; crab rings; hand collection |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Diet | — | Clams; mussels; oysters; small crabs; worms |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Migration Pattern | — | None - invasive colonizer |