Spanner crab Ranina ranina
Spanner crab
Distribution - Spanner crabs inhabit coastal waters along the east coast of Australia, from Yeppoon in Queensland to Nowra on the south coast of New South Wales. There is also a population to the north of Perth in Western Australia. Spanner crabs prefer sandy habitat to depths of more than 100 metres, but may be found in a number of environments, from sheltered bays to surf zones.
Size - A maximum weight of 900g and a carapace length of 150mm.
Characteristics - The spanner crab is red/orange in colour with some small white spots on the top of the carapace. Their claws are large and inward facing. Unlike other crabs, which move in a sideways motion, spanner crabs move forwards and backwards.
Confusing species - None.