Page 90 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

CRUSTACEANS

Reproduction Common name: Sally lightfoot crab

Spines in walking legs
identification

Scientific Name:
Percnon gibbesi
Picture Stolon

Key identifying features
Brief history
This mimetic, relatively small crab is up to 3 cm
across. Its body is flat and square-shaped with a
smooth surface. The carapace is brownish green in
colour, and the long, flattened legs are banded with
golden yellow rings. The ventral surface is pale. The
walking legs have a row of spines along the leading
edge. The eyestalks and claws are orange; the claws
are small in females and large and unequal in males.

Field identification signs and habitat
It is found on rocky shorelines, in the crevices of
rocks or on man-made structures such as ports and
marinas at depths of 0.5–4 m.

Reproduction
Berried females have been recorded from May to
September and juvenile crabs (carapace length ≤ 1.5
cm) are present from October until March,
suggesting the crab breeds during the summer
months and recruitment takes place throughout the
winter. Percnon gibbesi. Photo: E. Azzurro

Percnon gibbesi. Photo: A. Lodola Percnon gibbesi. Photo: E. Azzurro

Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers 87