Corystes cassivelaunus (Masked Crab)
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Phylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Parthenopidae
Corystes cassivelaunus is a type of sand burrowing crab which has an oval shaped carapace up to 40mm in length with two long, bristle covered antennae out to the front. These antennae are used to form a tube in the sand through which the burrowed crab can breathe. The male of the species is made more distinguishable by very long chelipeds approximately twice the length of the carapace. Those of the female are much smaller being in general proportion to the body. C.cassivelaunus can be found on the lower shore and down to 100m in depth on fine sandy bottoms where they feed on infaunal invertebrates. The common name "Masked Crab" is derived from some individuals having markings on the carapace which along with the shape can look like a face.
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