Red Bait Crab

Crab red bait
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit15

 

possession limit30

 

boat limit-

Limits apply to inshore crab species combined.

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

None
Measuring
See Crab Fishing for more information.

Other names

Ferrari crab, speedy crab, red rock crab, cleft-fronted shore crab


Scientific name

Plagusia chabrus

Grows to


Up to

70mm (carapace length)

Identifying features


​A medium sized crab with red-orange colouration.  The frontal edges of the carapace have sharp indentations either side of the eyes.  The legs have parallel rows of raised serrations with a fine hair covering in between.

​​Rules

Female crabs with eggs cannot be kept. One bait trap can be used.  Specialised crab traps cannot be used.

Habitat

Lives subtidally in crevices and under rocks on rocky shorelines.

Fishing Information

This species is sometimes enters rock lobster pots or is taken by divers.  Known as a speedy or Ferrari crab because of its ability to scurry rapidly.

Handling

Caution as this crab can inflict a painful nip with its frontal claws.  It can be more aggressive than other crabs.

Public Health Advice

Follow any public health alerts relating to eating wild shellfish - refer to the Department of ​Health or​ phone their hotline on 1800 671 738.

Cooking

This crab is good eating and can be cooked whole by boiling, or stir-frying in the Asian style.  It can be time-consuming to extract the meat but it is sweet and tasty.​ 

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au