Chinese mitten crab (Da zha xie)

The Chinese mitten crab (lat. Eriocheir sinensis) is a unique species of crab notable for its furry claws that resemble mittens, hence its name. It is native to the coastal estuaries of eastern Asia, from Korea in the north to the Fujian province of China in the south.

Aside from the distinctive furry claws on the males, these crabs have a light brown to olive green shell and can grow to a carapace width of up to 10 centimeters. Chinese mitten crabs are catadromous. They spend most of their life in fresh water but migrate to saltwater environments to breed.

In Chinese cuisine, the Chinese mitten crab is considered a delicacy, especially during the autumn season when the crabs are full of roe. The roe and meat are highly prized for their flavor.