Species of the Derwent

A variety of unique communities of plants and animals live in the Derwent Estuary, specially adapted for life between land and sea. Little penguins, sea dragons, black swans, platypus and dolphins are just some of the many species that call the estuary home. Explore and learn about these organisms, their role in food webs, and the threats they face.

In this section

Shore crab

Community type

Intertidal reef organisms

Habitat type

Rocky reefs, kelp beds and inter-tidal zone

Native to Tasmania, the smooth spotted shore crab ranges in colour between yellow and brown, with dark red spots. Growing to 4.5cm wide across their carapace (shell), they can be triple this size when you add the length of their legs. Living under rocks, wood or in burrows, it avoids open areas and deep water. These crabs are omnivorous, consuming both algae and small marine animals, such as worms, shellfish and other crustaceans.

Much of the text within the species area of our website was written by Veronica Thorpe, as part of the Derwent River Wildlife Guide (2000).

The DEP has developed a variety of classroom and outdoor activities, including classroom materials, online resources, interpretive walks, games and sensory experience. These are focused around the key estuary habitats.

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