Harris mud crab

• Greenish-brown to olive green with white tipped claws that are unequal in size.
• Shell has four blunt spines on each side.
• Shell is 10–20mm wide.

• Prefers sandy and muddy substrates with a sheltered structure.
• Lives in subtidal estuaries in areas with low salinity.
• Can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinities.

• Not found in Queensland waters. The Harris mud crab is native to the Atlantic coast of the Americas from New Brunswick to northeast Brazil.

• Larval development takes place under a broad range of environmental conditions and the life cycle can be completed in freshwater.

Environmental

• Alters food webs and displaces native crabs, crayfish and bottom-dwelling fish.
• Decays vegetation, oyster reefs and shells.
• Carrier of prawn and crab diseases.

Economic

• Can form dense groups, and clog water intake pipes and power plant cooling systems.
• Spoils fish caught in gill nets.

Social

• Can negatively affect the visual amenity and our way of life. Marine pests can:
  • lead to depleted fish stocks
  • lead to boating and fishing restrictions in affected areas
  • impact significantly on the marine industry that many people rely on for employment and recreational purposes.

Look. Report. Protect.

Marine biosecurity – everyone plays a part.

• Clean your boat regularly.
• Check for marine pests on structures and surrounds.
• Report any suspected marine pests.

Slipway operators, vessel inspectors and vessel owners should regularly and thoroughly check and clean vessel hulls looking out for pests or growth. Pay particular attention to the nooks and crannies of your vessel including internal seawater systems.

Inspect, clean and dry equipment and gear before moving to a different location. This includes pots, nets, fishing or diving gear, anchors and ropes.

If you think you have seen Harris mud crab, report it immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. Until an authorised officer contacts you, please take reasonable and practical steps to prevent it from spreading.

• Harris mud crab is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• Report any suspected sightings to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 immediately.
• Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and by law everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take all reasonable and practical steps to avoid introduction or spread of marine pests.