Other Names
- American Spider Crab
General Description
Carapace pear-shaped with tubercles and spines; rostrum simple. Basal antennal article without strong spine on ventrolateral margin. Walking legs elongate, with curved dactyli. Up to 3 cm long.
Biology
This small, pale, thin-legged crab was first discovered in Port Phillip Bay in about 1990, having been introduced by shipping. It is the only common shallow-water species with a single, rather than paired, rostrum on a simple pear-shaped body. It is certain now to be an important food source for demersal fishes.
Habitat
Subtidal muddy sediments to 412 m depth.
Soft substrates
Distribution guide
Indo-Pacific oceans, inclduing south-eastern and south-western Australia.
Species Group
Depth
Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)
Water Column
Max Size
3 cm
Diet
Organic matter
Harmful
Not harmful but a nip from large claws could be painful.
Commercial Species
No
Global Dispersal
Introduced to Australia
Species Code
MoV 1659
Conservation Status
- DSE Advisory List : Not listed
- EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
- IUCN Red List : Not listed