Pebble Crab

Dittosa laevis

Systematics: Brachyura Family Leucosiidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The carapace is almost circular 20-25 mm wide, smooth, slaty grey with three slightly angular projections on each side. The legs are slender with chelipeds that are long and fine, especially in the male.

Habitat and Distribution:
This species of pebble crab is commonly found among seagrass in shallow mud and sand flats across southern Australia such as in Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and Corner Inlet.

General Biology:
Pebble crabs can be seen burrowing in the soft mud of intertidal seagrass meadows but move about in search of food when the tide is out. They use their long chelipeds to capture small invertebrates.