Japanese Freshwater Crab

Characteristics

A crab endemic to Japan that can be seen in beautiful mountain streams. The surface of the carapace is smooth and reddish-brown. The legs are reddish. The scissors have lost their brown color and are milky white. There are individual and regional differences in body color, and paler brown and blue types are also seen.

How to eat freshwater crab

It can be eaten boiled in soy or deep-fried.When I was a child, I also tried to eat it fried. It's delicious if you fry it until it's crispy. If the method of frying is not sufficient, a fishy smell will remain.

Ecology

Inhabits mainly under rocks in the upper and middle reaches of rivers. They cannot survive unless the water quality is clean to some extent. On rainy or humid days, they sometimes extend their legs to the forest near the river.

In addition to eating insects and earthworms as an omnivore, it also eats plants. It breeds in the summer and is thought to live for about 10 years.

Habitat

This photo was taken on a forest road along a stream in Minamiasagawa-cho, Hachioji City. I immediately hid under the grass. When I brought the camera closer to take a picture, I raised my scissors high and threatened.

If the river is not muddy, it can be found normally in the city. In parks with waterfronts, individuals can sometimes be found climbing trees.