Varuna yui

Varunidae

WWF HK status

Swimming crab

游氏弓蟹

Size

Typically, 3 – 9cm (carapace length).

Identification

Very flat carapace and legs. Dark brown to brown in colour, except for chelae, which can have shades of dark red with tips that are white. All legs have hair.

Description

Catadromous species, with juveniles entering streams and large rivers to reside before returning to sea as adults. Widespread and common species, found in low elevation sections of coastal streams. Another poor climber despite having strong appendages, which appears to be due to behaviour.