Red Rock Crab

About

This crab is common along subtidal reefs and in rocky crevices. Living along exposed coasts these are fast moving crabs dodging waves as they move through the kelps and sea squirts they live and feed amongst.

Identification

Colour ranging from reds to browns covered with small dense hairs has a squarish shape to the body (carapace) with four defined notches across the front the eyes feature between two of those outside notches, the side of the carapace has three spike-like triangular notches. The legs feature a series of outward angled spikes on the section closet to the body, whilst the claws feature a couple of rows light coloured knobs.

Size

Can grow to around 70mm across the carapace

Habitat

Can be found on reefs or in rock crevices, under rocks at the low tide level out to depths of around 50m or more

Distribution

Southern Indian and Southern Pacific Oceans, including South Africa, New Zealand, and Chile in Australia it is found in southern temperate waters including around Tasmania

Gallery

Select any photo or video to view it large with its details and credits.

📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo

Local Sightings

2 recorded sightings in and around the area.

References & citations (3)

1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2022-10-26 10:57:36)
2. Taylor, J. & Poore, G.C.B., 2011, Red Rock Crab, Guinusia chabrus, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
3. WoRMS (2021). Guinusia chabrus (Linnaeus, 1758). (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)