Rough Rock Crab

About

The male of this species carries the female around between his claws until she moults and is then ready to mate. This crab is similar to Nectocarcinus tuberculosus but lacks the notch between the eyes

Identification

With a carapace shape much like others this species can be set apart from those similar crabs by the two-tone colour of the carapace the front half being a dark reddish purple and the back half being a whiteish grey. Other key factors in identifying this crab are the claws being black tipped and the last leg or hind leg being dagger shaped.

Size

Can grow to around 80mm across the carapace

Habitat

Found on reefs and seaweed or sand patches out to a depth of around 20m

Distribution

Southern Australia From WA to NSW including around Tasmania

Gallery

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

📷 Glen Gitsham 📷 Mike 📷 Warwick Moyse 📷 wildroo 📷 Warwick Moyse

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (3)

1. Taylor, J. and Poore, G. (2020) Nectocarcinus integrifrons Rough Rock Crab in Museums Victoria Collections (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2022-11-23 10:14:38)
3. WoRMS (2021). Nectocarcinus integrifrons (Latreille, 1825) (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)