Sand Crab

Ovalipes australiensis

Systematics: Brachyura Family Portunidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The carapace is up to 100 mm wide, about as long as wide and dark sandy or blue-grey with two distinctive blood-red to mauve grey 'eye' spots near the back. The chelipeds are pale grey or white. There are four teeth cut into the front between the eyes and four down each side. The fourth legs are characteristically flattened and paddle-shaped.

Habitat and Distribution:
Sand crabs are common subtidally on the more sheltered ocean beaches of all states of Australia, except the far north.

General Biology:
Members of the family Portunidae are known as swimming crabs and all have flattened back legs with which they can swim. All are very active and aggressive. The sand crab is particularly agile being able to bury rapidly into the sand by digging backwards when disturbed. Sand crabs are edible and sold in fish shops but the larger swimming crabs mud crab and blue swimmer are more substantial meals. Fisherman find Ovalipes a nuisance by biting their bare feet in shallow waters, and expertly removing bait from their fishing hooks.