Animal Species:Red Rock Crab
The Red Rock Crab is not only one of the most common crabs in Sydney but also one of the fastest movers. It is often used as bait, particularly to catch grouper.
Smooth Rock Crab sitting on sponge and algae
Dr Isobel Bennett
© Australian Museum
Alternative Name/s
Red Bait Crab
Identification
The Red Rock Crab is easily recognised by its large size and red colour.
Size range
10 cm
Distribution
The Red Rock Crab is found in temperate waters of southern Australia, in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. Also found in New Zealand, South Africa and Chile.
Habitat
Preferring moist environments, the Red Rock Crab is found around the low-tide mark on the rocky shore and underwater to depths of about 8 m. It tends to hide among seaweed and under rock ledges.
Feeding and Diet
The Red Rock Crab feeds on sponges, bryzoans and small seaweeds.
Classification
- Species:
- chabrus
- Genus:
- Plagusia
- Family:
- Plagusiidae
- Infraorder:
- Brachyura
- Suborder:
- Pleocyemata
- Order:
- Decapoda
- Superorder:
- Eucarida
- Class:
- Malacostraca
- Subphylum:
- Crustacea
- Phylum:
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags crabs, crustaceans, arthropods, invertebrates, identification, wildlife of sydney,