Golden Decorator Crab

About

This common spider crab has a loosely pear shaped yellow to brown shell that features stout rostral spines (spines near the front) that are straight but at a slight divergent angle. The chelipeds (legs with claws) feature a blue or dark trim along the outer edge and have an organge accent. The walking legs are thin and long with hairs.

These crabs attach seaweeds, sponges and bryozoan to the small hairs on their carapace and legs to act as a camouflage, making them good at hiding within the enviroments they live in.

Size

Can grow to around 70mm in the length of the carapace

Habitat

Can be found in seaweed (algal) beds and reef structure out to a depth of 108m

Distribution

Southern temperate oceans, including around southern Australia

Gallery

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

📷 Wayne Martin 📷 Glen Gitsham 📷 Warwick Moyse 📷 Wild Roo Designs

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (3)

1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
2. Taylor, J. and Poore, G. (2020) Naxia aurita Smooth Seaweed Crab in Museums Victoria Collections (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
3. WoRMS (2021). Naxia aurita (Latreille, 1825). (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)