Fringed Sponge Crab

About

Shaggy Sponge Crabs are usually camouflaged by a large sponge or sea squirt. Sponge crabs are able to carry a piece of living sponge on their back by holding it in position with their last two pairs of legs. These legs are smaller than their other legs, directed more or less upwards and bear small pincers. Those crabs deprived of their personal sponge caps will go to great lengths to retrieve them. If all else fails they will cut and shape new caps. It's not a simple task for a crab to re-dress! In putting on the sponge cap the crab may need to grasp the cap, roll over on its back, upend itself backwards and then right itself.

Size

Up to 4 cm wide (carapace)

Habitat

Reef near sponges, to depth of 180 m

Distribution

Southern Australia including around Tasmania

Gallery

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

📷 David Muirhead

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (3)

1. Taylor, J. and Poore, G. (2020) Lamarckdromia globosa Shaggy Sponge Crab in Museums Victoria Collections (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
3. WoRMS (2021). Lamarckdromia globosa (Lamarck, 1818). (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)