Other Names

• False Spider Crab

General Description

Antennal spines acute and prominent (ventral view of carapace); chelae of large males with a pulvinus (a sac arising between bases of fingers). Buff-coloured. Carapace up to 22 mm carapace wide.

Biology

Flat-backed crabs or false spider crabs or sea spiders as they are variously named, have a very flat carapace, with a well-defined edge all around, and very long spindly legs. Most are small and the round carapace is less than 15 mm across. They inhabit algae or hide under stones.

Habitat

Muddy estuaries to depths of 7 m.

Soft substrates

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern temperate oceans, including southern Australia.

Species Group

Crabs and allies › Crabs

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

22 mm

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 986

Conservation Status

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