top of page

Infra-order Brachyura, Superfamily Grapsoidea, Family Varunidae

Paddler crab | Varuna litterata  (Fabricius, 1798)

Christmas Island crabs, paddler crab, varuna litterata, Christmas Island, Max Orchard

A medium sized squarish, flattened crab up to 50–60 mm. Light brown to brownish grey carapace with a

smooth surface. Walking legs are thin and flat - the two end segments are fringed with long, closely packed hair on the back edge. Underside of body is yellowish cream.

​

Found in the littoral zone, lagoons, brackish water. Able to tolerate a wide range of salinity.

Read more about Christmas Island's paddler crab in the book

"Crabs of Christmas Island" by Max Orchard

Paddler crab, crabs, Christmas Island crabs

Paddler crab

bottom of page