Charybdis japonica, the Asian paddle crab, is a species of swimming crab in the family Portunidae.[1][2] Charybdis japonica has a hexagonal, concave carapace around 12 centimetres (4.7 in) wide, the whole animal being pale green to olive green in colour.[2]

Charybdis japonica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Portunidae
Genus: Charybdis
Species:
C. japonica
Binomial name
Charybdis japonica
Synonyms[1]
  • Goniosoma japonica A. Milne-Edwards, 1861
  • Charybdis sowerbyi Rathbun, 1931
  • Charybdis peitchihiliensis Shen, 1932

It occurs naturally in the waters around Japan, Korea and Malaysia, but has become an invasive species in New Zealand.[2] It has also been recorded in the Adriatic Sea where it is rare.[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c P. Davie (2010). "Charybdis (Charybdis) japonica (A. Milne-Edwards, 1861)". World register of Marine Species. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Asian paddle crab Charybdis japonica". Biosecurity New Zealand. March 30, 2009. Archived from the original on May 24, 2010. Retrieved June 12, 2010.