Smooth shore crab

Cyclograpsus lavauxi is a small, temperate crab in the Grapsidae family. The crab is known to be the size of a coin, with the adult males averaging 28 mm and the females averaging 26 mm. The shell, carapace, is polished with slightly more width than length. On average, the length is 9 mm and the breadth is 11 mm. The brim of Cyclograpsus lavauxi carapace is smooth, a lot like other crab species. The anterior of the carapace is linear edged with two eye orbits, which are curved and situated in the two frontal corners. The antennas are well-developed and are used for sensing texture, food, sound etc. C. lavauxi has eight legs and two large pincers at the front of the crab. Its legs are compressed slender and long, which includes six lines of hair running the full 4mm length of the legs which are fairly robust. Between the first, second and third legs are also small visible tuffs. Its long-legs enable it to run at rapids speeds. In addition to this the Cyclograpsus spp. are agile and alert resulting in a very mobile and versatile crab. Cyclograpsus lavauxi has been seen in a number of different colours. Their carapace can be the colour of slate blue, bluish grey, fawn, yellowish-brown. C. lavauxi can also have several shades of grey, green and brown with dark brown and red speckles. The underside of the crab is a lighter plain colour than the carapace. The legs carry the same colouring as the carapace with brighter speckled colouring.