Other Names

• Sponge Crab

General Description

Front margin of carapace margin with 3 well developed teeth, 2 directed upward. Carapace not strongly sculptured but covered with tomentum. Up to 7 cm wide.

Biology

This smooth, grey, hairy crab has three obvious lateral teeth, two directed upwards, and usually covers itself with a sponge or sea squirt. The carapace is unevenly corrugated, with a dense mat of soft hairs. The species grows much larger than any other sponge crab.

Habitat

Subtidal-continental shelf, to depths of 520 m.

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

West Pacific, Indian and south Atlantic Oceans, including south-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Crabs and allies › Crabs

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

7 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Harmful

Not harmful but a nip from large claws could be painful

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Species Code

MoV 3854

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed