Story: Crabs, crayfish and other crustaceans

A native crab

A native crab

This crab (Cancer novaezelandiae) is snuggled amongst a group of tube worms. Commonly known as the pie-crust crab or ngāhorohoro, it usually hides in coastal sands, leaving the top of its shell (carapace) exposed. It is a nocturnal predator and feeds on shellfish, cracking open bivalve shells with powerful pincers.

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How to cite this page:

Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, 'Crabs, crayfish and other crustaceans - Crustaceans – bugs of the sea', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8227/a-native-crab (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, published 12 Jun 2006