Hairy Stone Crab

Lomis hirta

Lomis hirta - Hairy Stone Crab
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Size: 3 cm

Distribution: All SA coastal and gulf waters

Habitat: Rocky areas under rocks

Depth: Lower intertidal

Lomis hirta - Hairy Stone Crab
Lomis hirta - Hairy Stone Crab
Lomis hirta - Hairy Stone Crab

The Hairy Stone Crab is not actually a true (Brachyuran) crab, but an anomuran, related to hermit crabs. It is found on and under rocks in the upper subtidal zone, and is slow-moving. It is covered in hair and is usually a muddy brown colour, except for its antennae, which are electric blue.