General Description

Eyestalks with more than two-thirds exposed in dorsal view. Rostral spines broad, deflexed; postorbital lobe and intercalated spine subequal, broad and blunt; carapace without dorsal tubercles. First antennal article with strong simple distolateral spine. Carapace up to 29 mm wide.

Biology

Shaggy Seaweed Crabs are difficult to find because of the camouflage they accumulate over their body. The camouflage, usually algae, sea mosses, etc., is attached by hooks or grows directly on the exoskeleton and mimics the crab's environment, sometimes completely hiding the animal.

Habitat

Dredged from sand and rubble bottom, depth 3-22 m.

Soft substrates

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

East Indo-west Pacific Oceans including most states of 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

3 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