A common shore crab that can easily be confused with others from this family

Locally around Tomahawk Beach this crab can be found under rocks and is not as common as some others. It is another crab being displaced by the invasive crabs around the area

Similar Species include Cyclograpsus granulosus, Helograpsus haswellianus, Paragrapsus quadridentatus

At a glance

Habitat Can be found under rocks at all inter-tidal and sub-tidal levels
Size Can grow to around 40mm across the carapace
Origin Endemic
Distribution Most of the Australian coast including around Tasmania excluding the NT
Descriptions
Distribution
Most of the Australian coast including around Tasmania excluding the NT
Habitat
Can be found under rocks at all inter-tidal and sub-tidal levels
Size
Can grow to around 40mm across the carapace

Identification

This crab can be hard to distinguish from the Purple-mottled Shore Crab (Cyclograpsus granulosus) the carapace shape is the same and whilst this crab is smoother it still has some granulation and both species lack any notches. 

The key feature of this crab is the tufts of hair between the bases of the legs visible on the underside of the crab. again both crabs can have this but this particular crab it is much more dense and noticeable than in C. granulosus.

Common Name Smooth Shore Crab
Aliases No Known Aliases
Origin Endemic
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Distribution and map

Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumCrustacea
SuperclassMulticrustacea
ClassMalacostraca
SubclassEumalacostraca
SuperorderEucarida
OrderDecapoda
SuborderPleocyemata
InfraorderBrachyura
SectionEubrachyura
SuperfamilyGrapsoidea
FamilyVarunidae
SubfamilyCyclograpsinae
GenusCyclograpsus
SpeciesCyclograpsus audouinii
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
Bibliography View page references
Added Sat 10 Jul 2021 @ 00:00 AM
Updated Mon 22 Apr 2024 @ 00:00 AM
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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.