Common Sand Crab

About

This crab is rather agile and moves away quickly burying itself under the sand. Like most crabs this species is most active at night and annoy fishermen stealing the baits from their hooks. Similar to the invasive Carcinus maenas. Both of these crabs are commonly found washed up dead along Tomahawk Beach

Identification

The carapace features two large reddish-brown dots towards the back whilst the colour of this crab varies from greyish to a pale orange-browns, the hind leg is a swimming leg and as such is flattened, and paddle shaped.

Size

Can grow to around 110mm across the carapace

Habitat

Can be found along sandy beaches out to depth of around 100m

Distribution

Southern Australia from Western Australia to Queensland, including Tasmania

Gallery

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📷 ronigreer 📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2022-11-23 11:15:17)
2. WoRMS (2021). Ovalipes australiensis Stephenson & Rees, 1968. (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)