Sculptured porcelain crab
Pachycheles sculptus
The sculptured porcelain crab is a common reef inhabitant in tropical Western Australia, but is not often seen as it is usually well hidden, often inside sponges. The red and white colouring of this species is diagnostic.
Morphology
Carapace subcircular, without sculpturing. Claws inflated and with large faceted tubercles.
Evolution
The porcelain crabs are not true crabs, but are the result of an independent but convergent evolutionary lineage more closely related to hermit crabs.
Habitat
Marine
Shallow water, <30 m. found in reef habitats often associated with sponges.
Distribution
Indo-West Pacific
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Crustacea |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Subclass: | Eumalacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
| Infraorder: | Anomura |
| Superfamily: | Galatheoidea |
| Family: | Porcellanidae |
| Genus: | Pachycheles |
| Species: | sculptus |
| Name Published Year: | 1837 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | H. Milne Edwards |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Pachycheles-sculptus
Accessed 24 Aug 2025
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