Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants and animals
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Species of the Galveston Bay Area
Charybdis hellerii
| ITIS TSN: | 199969 |
| Presence: | Species of Concern |
| Habitat: | Aquatic |
| Native Range: | Indonesia and the Pacific Ocean |
Human Health
This species poses no known human health impacts.Prohibited Lists
As of 2010, this species is not prohibited in Texas.Introduction Pathways
This species was first reported in the U.S. in South Carolina in 1986 and in Florida in 1995. It is thought that the species arrived in the U.S. via ballast water and larval transport on currents from Cuba (Perry 2010b).Geographic Distribution
As of 2010, this species is not reported in Texas. The species is reported in three Atlantic Coast states: South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida (including an occurrence on the Gulf Coast in Tampa Bay) (McMillen-Jackson 2008).Specific Primary Habitats
This species is found in marine and coastal habitats along soft-bottom areas, riprap jetties, coralline ledges, mangrove roots, gravel, rocks, and dense algae from the intertidal zone to depths of approximately 50 meters (ISSG 2009c). In South Carolina, this species has been found in seagrass meadows (Thalassia testudinum) and along the outer fringe of mangroves (SMS 2001).Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
This species may compete with native crab species and cause changes to native benthic communities. Introductions may affect native crab fisheries.Physical Description
The Indo-Pacific swimming crab in small in size (5 to 8 centimeters wide). The species is identifiable by a spine on the posterior side of the fifth leg. The front margin of the carapace has six sharp, black-tipped teeth behind the eyes. This crab is mottled green in color with purple and whitish areas.Reproduction Characteristics
Females have been documented as carrying up to 292,000 eggs per individual (SMS 2001). Egg-bearing females can be found throughout the year. However, in Brazil, the species may have developed a strategy to minimize competition by intensifying reproductive activity during the winter and spring months when other native crab species in the area are not at their reproductive peak (Mantelatto and Garcia 2001). The larval stage is relatively long (44 days) which may facilitate dispersal to new areas. Individuals can mature in as little as one year. Females can store sperm and produce multiple broods in rapid succession (Dineen et al. 2001).Feeding
This species has a generalized carnivorous diet, which allows it to feed on a variety of food resources. This species has been fed a diet of zooplankton, small crustaceans, and clam tissue in laboratory settings (Dineen et al. 2001).Control
Since early detection is key to preventing the spread and establishment of this species, regional/local monitoring or surveillance is essential. Indo-Pacific swimming crabs should not be imported or released in local waterways. If found in local waters, note the capture location, kill and freeze the animal, and notify the TPWD.Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Ventral view of a gravid (egg-bearing) female Indo-Pacific swimming crab (C. hellerii). Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional Taxonomic Center, South Carolina DNR. |
 Dorsal view of a gravid female Indo-Pacific swimming crab (C. hellerii). Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional Taxonomic Center, South Carolina DNR. |