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A Redspot Swimmer Crab (Portunus sanguinolentus). | ||
Crustaceans
Section
The collection includes around 22,000 catalogued specimens. Its strengths lie in the decapod groups including the crabs, prawns, shrimps and lobsters. Most specimens are from Queensland, but good collections from tropical Australia and from neighbouring Pacific and Asian regions are also held.
Our current work
Major research include taxonomic studies on intertidal crabs and on freshwater prawns, crayfish, and crabs. Co-operative reseach is being undertaken with Queensland Southern Fisheries Research Centre on the species of Mud Crabs (Scylla); and with the Queensland University on new species of Bugs (Thenus spp.). A catalogue of Australian Decapod Crustaceans, the first since 1880, is also nearing completion. This will be an invaluable source of up-to-date information on names and distributions for researchers and fisheries managers.