Mottled Shore Crab

About

This crab is similar to Paragrapsus gaimardii and can be hard to distinguish from one and another and both of these crabs can be found locally.

Although this crab has a more mottled pattern rather than dots but the the first walking leg has a fine felt covering it and that is a key difference between the two.

Identification

This crab can be identified by the presence of the two notches behind the eyes on the sides of the carapace the colouration ranges from dark reds and purples with yellowish brown mottled patches, The first walking leg is also has a fine covering of hairs that look like felt

Size

Can grow to around 40mm across the carapace

Habitat

Can be found under rocks along sheltered coasts and in burrows on mudflats

Distribution

South-eastern Australia, including around Tasmania

Gallery

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📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo 📷 wildroo 📷 Wayne Martin

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (3)

1. Taylor, J. and Poore, G. (2020) Paragrapsus laevis Mottled Shore 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). Paragrapsus laevis (Dana, 1851). (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)