General Description

Carapace flat and shiny, wide at the back and narrower toward the front. Claws are flattened and extend out in front of the body. Rear legs smaller than others. Mouth surrounded by hairy feeding limbs. Up to 2 cm long (carapace).

Biology

Spiny Porcelain Crabs are active, aggressive animals, but they are probably filter feeders. Their long antennae and small fifth legs distinguish them from true crabs.

Habitat

Intertidal areas under large stones on exposed coasts, to depth of 25 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Crabs and allies › False crabs

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

2 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 1712

Conservation Status

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