Biology

The shore crab feeds on invertebrates including worms, molluscs and crustaceans Small molluscs and barnacles are taken by young crabs (2). Breeding peaks in summer, and mating can only take place shortly after the female moults; the male finds a female before she is due to moult, and carries her around underneath his body for a number of days (2). After the moult, copulation occurs. The female creates a cavity by burrowing in the sand; she lays the eggs whilst positioned over this cavity, attaches them to her walking legs and carries them around for several months (2). After hatching, the larvae are planktonic for 2-3 years. They then settle as young crabs, and reach maturity after around a year (2).