Toothed Shore Crab

Paragrapsus quadridentatus

Systematics: Brachyura Family Grapsidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The carapace is up to 30mm (baby ones are smaller), greenish-grey or pale brown in colour and covered with microscopic granules. There is a single tooth on each side of the carapace behind the angle next to the eye.

Habitat and Distribution:
Found under rocks and ledges from mid- to low-tide levels, mainly on medium- to high-energy shores in central and western Victoria and Tasmania.

General Biology:
Shore crabs are very active and race for shelter when disturbed. Because they can survive for several hours out of water they are able to live above the low-tide level on rocky shores. Shore crabs are scavengers, using their claws to tear apart dead fishes and rotting seaweed.