A species that looks very similar to others in the same genus the Notched Shore Crab is common along the coast the single notch or tooth to the outside of the eye on the edge of the carapace is the key to identifying this species. Whilst some may have more spots than others and shades of colour may vary the presence of the notches sets this one apart.

Shore crabs can survive for several hours out of the water and can live above the low tide mark on rocky shores often found hiding under rocks scurrying for shelter when disturbed. They feed on decaying sealife and seaweeds.


At a glance

Habitat Can be found on exposed shores, under rocks on sheltered coasts or in burrows on mudflats, out to a depth of 10m
Size Can grow to around 30mm across the carapace
Origin Native
Distribution Tasmania, western and central Victorian coasts
Descriptions
Distribution
Tasmania, western and central Victorian coasts
Habitat
Can be found on exposed shores, under rocks on sheltered coasts or in burrows on mudflats, out to a depth of 10m
Size
Can grow to around 30mm across the carapace

Identification

This crab is one of the easy ones to identify the overall colour varies slightly between browns to greenish grey with dark spots on the carapace and finer dark spots on the legs and chelae.

There is a single notch on each side of the anterolateral margin of the carapace.

Common Name Notched Shore Crab
Aliases Four-toothed Shore Crab,
Origin Native
Conservation No Conservation Status
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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
GenusParagrapsus
SpeciesParagrapsus quadridentatus
Synonyms

Synonyms

Cyclograpsus quadridentatus H. Milne Edwards, 1837
References and dates
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Added Sun 7 Dec 2025 @ 22:01 PM
Updated Sun 7 Dec 2025 @ 23:24 PM
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26 Common Crabs of Tasmania Poster
An A3 poster of the 26 common crabs of Tasmania
 1.0.1 8.2 Mon 12 Jan 2026 Mon 12 Jan 2026 Download Info

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.