Small spider crabs

Code OX019999

Crabs are decapod crustaceans in which the abdomen is reduced and tightly folded under the cephalothorax. The rostrum is reduced and the tail fan absent.

Hymenosomatidae are oval or round-bodied crabs with the front margin of the carapace somewhat pointed (not flat as in Sundathelphusidae and Grapsidae).

Most species of Hymenosomatidae (small spider crabs) are estuarine or marine, but a single species Amarinus lacustris occurs in inland lakes and running waters with salinities in the range 1-9 gm/litre. This species is found in New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island, southern Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

References:

Horwitz, P. (1995) A Preliminary Key to the species of Decapoda (Crustacea: Malacostraca) found in Australian Inland Waters. Co-operative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology Identification Guide No. 5., Albury, NSW.

Horwitz, P., Knott, B. and Williams, W.D. (1995) A Preliminary Key to the Malacostracan Families (Crustacea) found in Australian Inland Waters. Co-operative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology Identification Guide No. 4., Albury, NSW.