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coral rubble

Stone or Thunder Crab Myomenippe hardwickii Family Eriphiidae

The Stone or Thunder crab is common but often hidden under rocks. Even when out of hiding, it is hard to spot as it moves slowly, if at all. The crab has bright green eyes circled with red. At low tide, it wedges istelf in its burrow or under a rock so it is difficult to pry out. If discovered, it pretends to be a stone and remains motionless.

Why Thunder crab? They are also called Thunder crabs because of the mistaken belief that if the crab pinches you, only a clap of thunder will make it let go

Stone crab food: The crab hunts clams and snails at high tide, crushing them in its large, powerful pincers. The crab is often considered a pest on mussel farms.

Human uses: These crabs are edible. Their large pincers are particularly favoured.

The crab has
massive pincers!

quick facts
Body width to about 12cm, common in the coral rubble area.

Classification:
Order Decapoda
Class Malacostraca
Subphylum Crustacea

Other references

Tan, Leo W. H. & Ng, Peter K. L., 1988. A Guide to Seashore Life. The Singapore Science Centre, Singapore. 160 pp. online version
Ng, Peter K. L. & N. Sivasothi, 1999. A Guide to the Mangroves of Singapore II (Animal Diversity). Singapore Science Centre. 168 pp. online version
Lim, S., P. Ng, L. Tan, & W. Y. Chin, 1994. Rhythm of the Sea: The Life and Times of Labrador Beach. Division of Biology, School of Science, Nanyang Technological University & Department of Zoology, the National University of Singapore. 160 pp.

a companion website to the chek jawa guidebook website©ria tan 2003 www.wildsingapore.com

a companion website to the chek jawa guidebook
website©ria tan 2003 www.wildsingapore.com