General Description

Rostrum with three lobes (trilobite), lateral lobes reduced, fused with medial lobe, medial lobe longer than eyes, tapering, arising below level of carapace. Postocular teeth conspicuous. Lateral carapace wall with an acute spine. Walking legs with 7th segment (dactyli) having 2 irregular rows of teeth. Up to 5.5 mm wide.

Biology

This species is abundant in surveys of soft sediments of bays and the shelf in south-eastern Australia. The genus is represented throughout the western Pacific as far south as the subantarctic islands.

Habitat

Uncommon intertidally but frequently encountered in soft benthic samples, 2-130 m depth.

Reefs

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)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

6 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 700

Conservation Status

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