General Description

Carapace anterolateral margin with 3 sharp spines, usually secondarily tuberculate; carapace with scattered long stiff hairs, especially anteriorly; larger specimens with small spinules close to anterolateral margin of carapace. Cheliped with small stout spines on outer face; walking legs with few tubercles or smooth on upper margin of meri, with spines on carpi and propodi. Up to 17 mm wide.

Biology

Whereas many crabs will attempt to escape when disturbed or captured, pilumnud crabs play dead, curling their legs up to look as inconspicuous as possible. Their camouflage makes them difficult to see even when rocks are turned. This species is common in Bass Strait.

Habitat

Intertidal, to 100 m depth.

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)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

17 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 714

Conservation Status

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