As Written by (Linnaeus, 1758)
C. brachyurus, thorace laevi utrinque quinquedentato, manibus ovatis, carpis dentatis, pedibus pofticis fubulatis
Latin to English
C. brachyurus, left chest with five teeth on both sides, ovate hands, toothed wrists, feet
What Does It Mean?
The basics of this description is the "Chest with five teeth" — this refers to the five teeth on the anterolateral margin (the area of the carapace to the outside of the eyes). If you look at the identification details below you will see in those images the teeth being highlighted.
The ovate hands refers to the shape of the chelae (claws) palms. Whilst this is not a very accurate description, it is very loosely ovate in shape but varies greatly with the age of the crab and from each specimen — with some being more elongated than ovate.
The toothed wrist refers to the carpus of the chelae, and this features a single spine or tooth.
The images below in the identification section highlight these key features and the key features that differentiate this crab from other local crabs — those two key features being the five anterolateral teeth and the dactyl of the last walking leg being pointed rather than paddle shaped.
Identification
To identify this crab, examine the shape of the carapace, especially the notches or anterolateral teeth (the triangular spines located to the outside of the eyes). There should be five of these teeth. Additionally, note that the last leg is pointed rather than rounded, lacking a swimming paddle. The images below illustrate these features for reference.
There are other features such as the shape of the frontal region however the above two characteristics are the easiest to spot colour also varies greatly from pale greenish whites to greenish browns depending on age of the crab.
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 — as a result 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.
