crabs text index | photo index
Phylum Arthropoda > Subphylum Crustacea > Class Malacostraca > Order Decapoda > Brachyurans > Family Portunidae
Tiny Flower crab
Portunus pelacigus
Family Portunidae
updated Dec 2019

Where seen? Tiny swimming crabs are commonly seen on our Northern shores, especially in areas with seaweeds and seagrasses. They particularly active at night. They are probably juvenile Flower crabs (Portunus pelagicus).

Features: Body width 2-6cm. Generally beige, brown with light spots but no striking markings or patterns. Their eyes are wide apart and they have 8-9 spines on the sides of their bodies.

Changi, Apr 05

Sisters Island, Jul 07


Sentosa, Jun 07

Berlayar Creek, Apr 09

Chek Jawa, Feb 05

Tiny Flower crabs on Singapore shores
On wildsingapore flickr

Other sightings on Singapore shores


Lazarus Island, Feb 11
Photo shared by Rene Ong on facebook.
links | references | about | email Ria
Spot errors? Have a question? Want to share your sightings? email Ria I'll be glad to hear from you!
wildfactsheets website©ria tan 2008