SWIMMING CRABS
PORTUNIDAE
Ornate Swimming Crab
Callinectes ornatus
Size
Carapace width to 12cm

Description
:
Wide, light tan to olive carapace with
long, white-tipped spine (cf Blue Swimming Crab - Callinectes sapidus- which has maroon to white). Six spines between eyes  (cf Blue Swimming Crab - Callinectes sapidus- which has 4). Last walking legs have the last segment enlarged to paddles, which are used for swimming.

Ecology
Live on sandy/ muddy bottoms from low tide mark to 120 ft/ 35m. Omnivorous, typically thin-shelled bivalves, annelids, small fish, plants and carrion.
    Ecological Descriptors
Habitat Size (cm) Diet Behaviour Sex 
S, M 12
(carapace)
Omn I F
Also see    SEXING TRUE CRABS
Ornate Swimming Crab
407
Ornate Swimming Crab
408