General Description

Fourth segment (merus) of larger claw (cheliped) with hook on lower margin; sixth segment (propodus) excavate in gape in male only; last segment (dactylus) with 2 strong teeth in male, simple in female. Tail fan (telson) as wide as long, shorter than uropods. Up to 4.5 cm long.

Biology

This small but abundant species is so named because it prefers sandy sediments (unlike other species which prefer deeper muddy bays). The combination of a blade-like lobe on the arm of the larger claw and a squarish telson differentiate this species from Callianassa limosa. The species is an active burrower important in sedimentary nutrient dynamics. It makes a complex burrow and feeds on the sediment it excavates.

Habitat

Intertidal to shallow subtidal sandflats, often estuarine, depths to 25 m.

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Southern temperate oceans, including south-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Prawns, shrimps, lobsters › Ghost and mud shrimps

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

4.5 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Harmful

Not harmful but a nip from large claws could be painful

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 1005

Conservation Status

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