This half crab is another introduce invasive species that can be found around Tasmania in ever expanding ranges. Locally this crab is just about everywhere you can lift up a rock along Tomahawk Beach and around Tomahawk Island.

This crab often drops legs as an escape mechanism regrowing them over time like how lizards drop their tails.

This is an invasive species within Tasmania and as such it is an offence to use these crabs as bait or to move them around despite the fact, they are now readily established state-wide.

At a glance

Habitat Can be found in intertidal areas under rocks and out to depths of around 12m
Size Up to around 18mm
Origin Introduced
Distribution Native to New Zealand it is now found in Victoria and around Tasmania
Descriptions
Distribution
Native to New Zealand it is now found in Victoria and around Tasmania
Habitat
Can be found in intertidal areas under rocks and out to depths of around 12m
Size
Up to around 18mm

Identification

With an overall flattened appearance it varies in colour with mottled blues, greens, and browns. The carapace is slightly longer than it is wide and the rostrum broadly triangular and extends past the eyes with the long whip like antennae to the outside of the eyes. With large, flattened chelae (claws) and looks to only have three walking legs although it does have another that is tucked away at the rear into the abdomen flap
Common Name New Zealand Half Crab
Aliases elongated porcelain crab, blue half crab, blue false crab, half crab, false crab,
Origin Introduced
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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
InfraorderAnomura
SuperfamilyGalatheoidea
FamilyPorcellanidae
GenusPetrolisthes
SpeciesPetrolisthes elongatus
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
Bibliography View page references
Added Thu 4 Jun 2020 @ 00:00 AM
Updated Thu 24 Nov 2022 @ 23:00 PM
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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.