Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Ozius
    Species
    truncatus
    Subfamily
    Oziinae
    Family
    Eriphiidae
    Suborder
    Pleocyemata
    Infraorder
    Brachyura
    Order
    Decapoda
    Class
    Malacostraca
    Subphylum
    Crustacea
    Phylum
    Arthopoda
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    6 cm

Introduction

The Rock Crab is a common Sydney species found under rocks around the low-tide mark.

Identification

The Rock Crab has a chunky, solid body that can vary from white to red-brown throughout different stages of its life. Its most distinctive feature is the massive claws that are always brown-black with lighter tips. These strong claws are used to feed on a variety of prey, including snails and limpets.

Habitat

Rock Crabs live on intertidal rocky shores.

Distribution

Rock Crabs are found in Southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania to Perth in Western Australia.


Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Feeding and diet

Rock Crabs feed on a variety of prey, including snails and limpets.