Other Names

• Cleft-fronted Shore Crab

General Description

Body and legs red or red-brown with a dense clothing of hair. Carapace has four notches across the front (two of which contain the eyes) and sharp spines on the side. Up to 7 cm wide (carapace).

Biology

Red Rock Crabs are active, aggressive and one of the fastest moving crabs of southern Australian shores. Capable of dodging the waves among the sea squirts and kelp of wave-beaten coasts, they often submerge themselves in seaweed patches, under ledges or in crevices.

Habitat

Exposed coasts, in crevices at low tide level, to depth of 50 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern temperate oceans. Along the Victorian coast.

Species Group

Crabs and allies › Crabs

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

7 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Harmful

Not harmful but a nip from claws could be painful.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 992

Conservation Status

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