General Description

Carapace with clubbed setae, at least close to anterior and anterolateral margins, plus few scattered clusters of 2-3 longer soft hairs elsewhere; carapace with group of 3-12 tubercles on a curved ridge near anterolateral margin. Male gonopod 1 with hooked tip, less bent in juveniles, with long setae at right angle near tip. Up to 2 cm wide.

Biology

This is the most common species of Pilumnus in Bass Strait, recognisable from the mat of short clubbed hairs and scattered longer hairs, plus the curved row of short tubercles protruding through this mat. The curved row of tubercles of larger specimens is represented in juveniles simply as a low ridge buried in the soft velvety fur.

Habitat

In sponges, bryozoans, and algae, intertidal to 70 m depth.

Soft substrates

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern temperate oceans, including south-eastern 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

2 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Harmful

Not harmful but a nip from claws could be painful.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

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