General Description

Body covered with thick and thin hairs, especially on the front two-thirds of the carapace. Three blunt projections (teeth) on the carapace behind the eyes. Up to 1 cm wide (carapace).

Biology

Tasselled Crabs are one of several similar species of hairy crabs, which are difficult to distinguish from one another. The hairy covering, which traps mud over most of the body, and the ability to remain almost perfectly still, camouflage this species.

Distribution

Around Australian coasts.

Habitat

Under rocks or in sheltered areas on intertidal shores, to depths over 50 m.

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