Rules
Female crabs with eggs cannot be kept. One bait trap can be used. Specialised crab traps cannot be used.
Habitat
Common on exposed inshore reef areas in depths up to 50 metres.
Fishing information
This species sometimes enters rock lobster pots or is taken by divers by hand.
Handling
Caution as this crab can inflict a painful nip with its frontal claws.
Public Health advice
Follow any public health alerts relating to eating wild shellfish - refer to the Department of Health and Human Services 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.