Found along Tomahawk Beach under rocks at low tide this crab is less common now days due to invasive crabs such as New Zealand Half Crab (Petrolisthes elongatus)

Similar Species include Paragrapsus laevis, Paragrapsus gaimardii, Leptograpsodes octodentatus

Like all the other shore crabs they feed on the decaying fish and seaweeds found along our beaches and scurry away to find shelter when disturbed.

At a glance

Habitat Can be found under rocks in the inter-tidal zone out to a depth of 10m
Size Can grow to around 20mm across the carapace
Origin Native
Distribution South-eastern Australia including around Tasmania
Descriptions
Distribution
South-eastern Australia including around Tasmania
Habitat
Can be found under rocks in the inter-tidal zone out to a depth of 10m
Size
Can grow to around 20mm across the carapace

Identification

Often confused with the juveniles of other crabs in this family, this small crab has a mottled brown green to grey body and features three small notches behind the eye on the side of the carapace The first of the notches is slightly more forward (closer to the eye) than the last two set on a slight angle the front of the carapace is angled downwards with eyes that are black with white spots at the corner of the carapace. The walking legs with a single spine on the distal end of the merus, chelipeds with a mat of hairs on the inner and outer surfaces.
Common Name Little Shore Crab
Aliases No Known Aliases
Origin Native
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Distribution and map

Occurrences shown for the family Varunidae. Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia.

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumCrustacea
SuperclassMulticrustacea
ClassMalacostraca
SubclassEumalacostraca
SuperorderEucarida
OrderDecapoda
SuborderPleocyemata
InfraorderBrachyura
SectionEubrachyura
SuperfamilyGrapsoidea
FamilyVarunidae
GenusParvonotus
SpeciesParvonotus spinosus
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
Bibliography View page references
Added Sun 5 Jul 2020 @ 00:00 AM
Updated Thu 3 Apr 2025 @ 08:20 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.