Other Names

• Sand Crab

General Description

Carapace wider than long, covered with lightly setose grooves. Anterior margin with 8-11 spines on either side of ocular sinus. Last segment (dactylus) of second walking leg (pereopod 3) heel acute. Male tailfan (telson) ovate, indented at tip, lateral margins straight. Carapace up to 1.7 cm long.

Biology

Albuneids, sand crabs, burrow deeply in sand and are therefore rarely taken. It has been suggested that species of the genus Albunea are filter feeders, collecting suspended food particles with the long first antennae but this theory has been discredited by others proposing that they are scavengers or predators. It has previously been assumed that the genus is blind because of the highly modified and weakly pigmented eyes. Recently scientists have noted that members of this genus have faceted corneas and, as such, must possess more than just minimal light/dark-resolving vision.

Habitat

Intertidal, to depths of 46 m.

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia.

Species Group

Crabs and allies › False crabs

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

1.7 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Harmful

Not harmful but a nip from large claws could be painful

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Conservation Status

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