An aggressive competitor with a dangerous but impressive ‘karate chop’ ability to stun prey. It lives in burrows in the sand and mud, causing damage and making it hard to trap. In large numbers it leaves no space or food for other native crab and shrimp species.

How to identify this species:

• Has red-maroon line running down body

• Outer edges of tail are blue and yellow

• Native species has grey and yellow edges on tail

• Can grow up to 19 cm

This species is known to be in the following locations in Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty. If you find it outside this area, please report it.

Hokianga Harbour, Mangonui Harbour, Whangaroa Harbour, Bay of Islands,Whangarei Harbour, Kaipara Harbour, Tauranga Harbour, Waitemata Harbour, Whitianga, Raglan Harbour, Ohiwa Harbour,

This list is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing - for a full list of marine pest locations, please go to the Marine Biosecurity Porthole If you find it outside this area, please report it.