Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/235

Rh 3. Pseudocarcinus gigas (M.-Edw.). "The Giant Crab."—As its specific name implies, this is a giant amongst crustaceans, the carapace sometimes reaching a breadth of two feet. On account of the enormous size of the chelæ, it can give a tremendous crush—we cannot call it a "nip"—with those weapons. Its habitat is Bass's Strait, between Tasmania and Victoria, where it lives amongst stones, for which it is well adapted, as, if it kept perfectly still, there would be some difficulty in discriminating between the stones and the Crab. The colour varies from red to yellow, with black fingers.

4. Pilumnus fissifrons (Stimps.).—This small species frequents stones, &c. (just below low-tide mark), which are covered with mud and algae, and is common around the shores of Port Jackson. The carapace being very setose, catches and holds sediment, thus giving the Crab the appearance of a small round protuberance on the stone which it frequents.

5. Pilumnopeus serratifrons (Kin.).—Common on rocky shores of Port Jackson and other inlets along the coast of New South Wales, especially in those parts that are covered with small stones, under which they seek concealment. They are subject to a good deal of variation in colour. Length of carapace, ¾ in.; breadth, 1 in. Found along the east coast of Australia, and in New Zealand.

6. Leptodius exaratus (M.-Edw.).—May be procured in similar situations to the preceding, but is not very common. The carapace is very flat, and the last pair of ambulatory legs is twisted upwards to enable it to grasp the under surface of stones, under which it has sought refuge. In coloration it varies according to situation, some being white, others mottled, and others quite black.

7. Neptunus pelagicus (M.-Edw.).—A species which is very widely diffused, undergoes a good deal of variation, and is very abundant. It is the common Edible Crab of the Sydney fish-market. One peculiarity which I have noticed is that the sexes for the most part of the year live strictly apart. I have seen at one time scores of females with not one male among them, and vice versa. To be quite sure, I enquired of the fishermen whether they put them in separate heaps, but they assured me that they did not. This form is very nearly allied to the Lupa bellicosa of America.