Story: Estuaries

Mud crab at its burrow

Mud crab at its burrow

Tunnelling mud crabs or kairau are found in their thousands in estuarine muds. These aggressive animals will defend their territory if another crab advances too close to their burrow entrance. Young crabs are usually olive-grey in colour, similar to the muds they inhabit. Older crabs, like this one, are often more colourful.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10032630
Photograph by Lindsey MacFarlane

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Estuaries - Small animals of the estuary', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4634/mud-crab-at-its-burrow (accessed 3 May 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006