Australian Porcelain Crab

Petrocheles australiensis

Systematics: Anomura Family Porcellanidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The flat shiny carapace, broad at the back and tapering towards the front is up to 18 mm long. The flattened chelipeds extend well in front of the body. The hairy feeding limbs enclose the mouth and the minute, seemingly non-functioning, fifth legs are held above the carapace.

Habitat and Distribution:
This species of porcelain crab lives intertidally under large stones only on exposed coasts between Victoria and Western Australia.

General Biology:
Most porcelain crabs are active, aggressive inhabitants of exposed shores where they are probably filter feeders. Their long antennae and small fifth legs distinguish them from true crabs.

Feedback and queries should be sent to the Discovery Centre at Museum Victoria.
Please note, the Discovery Centre can help you only with questions about crustaceans from southeastern Australia. It can not advise on the care of pet hermit crabs or on crustaceans from other regions.