Haswell's Shore Crab

About

This crab looks much like the notched shore crab (Paragrapsus quadridentatus). The key differences are the carapace lacks the spots, the legs are slightly thinner and the front of the carapace is more rounded downwards. Apart from this the crab has the single notch behind each of the eyes.


These crabs live in the mud or sand digging borrows in estuaries above the high tide level, these borrows can be interconnecting. Theses crabs can also withstand high levels of pollution so can be found in areas of run off where other crabs cannot be found.

Size

Can grow to around 30mm across the carapace

Habitat

Can be found under rocks and in burrows at mid to high tide levels

Distribution

South-eastern Australia including around Tasmania

Gallery

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

📷 Wayne Martin

References & citations (3)

1. Taylor, J. & Poore, G.C.B., 2011, Haswell's Shore Crab, Helograpsus haswellianus, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
3. WoRMS (2021). Helograpsus haswellianus (Whitelegge, 1890). (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)