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

Crabs and allies › Crabs

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 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

Introduced to Australia

Species Code

MoV 1659

Conservation Status

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