Swift-footed Crabs can be found hiding in cracks in rocks when the tide is low.
This is a fast and aggressive crab. Look for these crabs high up on the rocks along the seashore before they quickly disappear from sight.
Rock pools and rock platforms
Swift-footed Crab
Adult Swift-footed Crabs have purple claws. The shell of their body can grow to 8 cm wide. They have a dark olive green or purple shell.
Common name: Swift-footed Crab
Scientific name: Leptograpsus variegatus
Swift-footed Crabs like to hide between rocks and in cracks.
Swift-footed Crabs live on rocky shores in Australia.
Swift-footed Crabs eat barnacles, algae, snails and limpets.
Swift-footed Crabs use their claws to get into the shells of other animals. They tear off pieces of prey with their claws and put them in their mouth.
Birds, octopuses and fish all eat Swift-footed Crabs.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2003
