Portunus hastatus

Lancer swimming crab
Augenfleck-Schwimmkrabbe
Étrille nageuse
Cangrejo cornudo
Granchio astato

Distribution

The tropical Atlantic
The temperate Atlantic
The Mediterranean

Substrate and environment

Exclusively a marine species
The species is generally observed in a sandy/silty area.
The species is generally motionless in its environment
The species is generally found on or close to the seafloor.
The species can be found between 0 and 60 Meters.
Common species.
Hides in the sand.

Environment and movement of the nocturnal species

The species is generally observed in a sandy/silty area.
The species is generally seen moving in its environment.
The species is generally found on or close to the seafloor.
The animal hunts at night

General behaviour of the species

Species generally solitary
Hides in the sand.
The animal is rather indifferent to the diver, though it remains on its guard

General characteristics of the species

Maximum size : 6 cm
The animal is a hunter low in the food chain.
The animal can show variable colouring

Relationship with humans

Pinches can be painful
The species can be eaten but is of no particular culinary interest