Story: Crabs, crayfish and other crustaceans

Female and male triangle crabs

Female and male triangle crabs

The difference between male and female crabs is clear when they are turned upside down, as pictured. A female crab (top photograph) has a broad round tail, which fills most of her under surface, whereas a male (bottom photograph) has a narrow triangular tail. The male triangle crab (Eurynolambrus australis) has larger nippers than the female.

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Private collection
Photograph by Colin L. McLay

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How to cite this page:

Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, 'Crabs, crayfish and other crustaceans - Crabs', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8228/female-and-male-triangle-crabs (accessed 29 March 2024)

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