Introduced Species

For OTHER Crustaceans:

There are a number of crabs found in the Marine Discovery Centre, as described below.

Cancer novaezealandiae - Pie Crust Crab (CSIRO, 1996)

Habitat: Sheltered Reef, 0 – 20m depth Distribution: Victoria and Eastern/Southern Tasmania Maximum Size: Carapace width to 190 mm Diet: Small marine invertebrates.   Comments:  This species has large claws and a typically large carapace. The crab occurs commonly in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel but is not often seen as it moves about at night. The species has probably been introduced into Tasmania from New Zealand, as it was not recorded in Australia before the early twentieth century. Click here to find more Introduced Species

Plagusia chabrus - Red Bait Crab (Edgar, 1997)

Habitat: Exposed reef, 0 - 8 m depth Distribution: WA to NSW and around Tasmania. Also Chile, South Africa and New Zealand. Maximum Size: Carapace width to 70 mm Diet: Encrusting marine animals (e.g. bryozoans, sponges, hydroids)

Nectocarcinus integrifrons - Red Swimmer Crab Picture: MDC

Habitat: Sheltered seagrass, seaweed, 0 - 20 m depth Distribution: WA to NSW and around Tasmania. Also New Zealand Maximum Size: Carapace width to 80 mm Diet: Mainly seagrass Comments:  Bottom dwelling species with flattened hind legs. Extremely abundant in sheltered seagrass beds.

Ovalipes australiensis - Surf Crab Picture: MDC

Habitat: Sand, 0 - 34 m depth Distribution: WA to Qld and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Carapace width to 105 mm Diet: Active predator. Small marine invertebrates (pretty much anything it can find!)   Comments:  These are pugnacious crabs which don't hesitate to use their claws. They are readily identified by the two red patches towards the rear of the carapace. These crabs are abundant in shallow water off sandy beaches.

Carcinus meanus - Green Crab (CSIRO, 1996)

Habitat: Sheltered rock, mud, sand, seaweed, 0 - 5 m depth Distribution: WA to NSW and Eastern Tasmania. Also Europe, Brazil and North America. Maximum Size: Carapace width to 65 mm Diet: Active predator. Small marine invertebrates (pretty much anything it can find!)   Comments:  This species was introduced into Australia from Europe in the nineteenth century and has also been introduced into North America. Being an active predator, it has probably influenced populations of a number of local species. It has a greenish grey body and doesn't hesitate to use its claws! Click here to find more Introduced Species

Leptomithrax gaimardii - Spider Crab Picture: MDC

Habitat: Exposed reef, sand, 0 - 820 m depth Distribution: WA to NSW and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Carapace width to 125 mm Diet: Small marine invertebrates. Comments:  These crabs can be recognised by their orange colour, massive size and legs. The species normally occurs in deep water but come into shallow in huge numbers (aggregations) to breed and feed.

Naxia aurita - Decorator Crab (Edgar, 1997)

Habitat: Sheltered seagrass, seaweeds, 0 - 15 m depth Distribution: WA to Victoria and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Carapace width to 40 mm Diet: Small marine invertebrates. Comments:  The carapace of these crabs is covered in spines and knobs. Bits of algae, sponge or hydroid are often found attached to these spines and knobs, as a form of camouflage.

Philyra undecimspinosa - Pebble Crab (Edgar, 1997)

Habitat: Sand, mud, 0 - 75 m depth Distribution: SA to NSW and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Carapace width to 30 mm Diet: Small marine invertebrates.   Comments:  These crabs have relatively long claws . They have an unusual mouth which allows them to breathe whilst buried in the sand.

Paragrapsus gaimardii - Spotted Shore Crab (Edgar, 1997)

Habitat: Sheltered rocks / intertidal zone Distribution: SA to Victoria and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Carapace width to 35-45 mm Diet: Small marine invertebrates Comments:  The most common shore crabs found on Woodbridge foreshores are Paragrapsus gaimardii and  Cyclogrpsus granulosus, both of which are spotted shore crabs.  These crabs are well adapted to life out of water.C. granulosus has purple markings, whilst P. gaimardii has smaller, browny spots.

Mictyris platycheles - Soldier Crab (Edgar, 1997)

Habitat: Sand, mud, mid intertidal zone Distribution: Victoria to QLD and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Carapace width to 15 mm Diet: Unicellular algae and detritus Comments:  Occurs in large numbers near the entrance to estuaries. Each animal processes large quantities of sand in order to find its food.