Swimming crab
Charybdis natator
Charybdis natator is a relatively large member of the swimming crab family reaching a carapace width of up to 10 cm. The carapace and limbs are a distinct reddish purple with blue at the base of the black pincers.
Morphology
This crab has sharp spines on the pincers and the lateral margins of the carapace. The carapace is covered in short 'hairs' giving it a smooth velvety appearance, which is interrupted by transverse ridges. The distinctive colouration seen in the adults slowly developes, with juveniles often with white carapaces with red rims or legs.
Behaviour
This species is an aggressive predator and will feed on fish, shrimp, molluscs and other crabs. As the scientific name suggests they are able swimmers and use their hind legs as paddles to propel themselves through the water. These legs are also used to quickly burrow into the sand to escape predators.
Method of reproduction
Sexual
Habitat
Marine
Found in shallow tropical waters, often on soft sediments.
Distribution
Widespread Indo-West Pacific
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Crustacea |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Subclass: | Eumalacostraca |
| Superorder: | Eucarida |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
| Infraorder: | Brachyura |
| Superfamily: | Portunoidea |
| Family: | Portunidae |
| Genus: | Charybdis |
| Species: | natator |
| Name Published Year: | 1794 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Herbst |
| Commercial Impact: | Minor commercial species in Asian countries |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/charybdis-natator
Accessed 26 Apr 2025
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