FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes Western

1100 Crabs
Etisus laevimanus Randall, 1840
Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Etisus macrodactylus Bianconi, 1851; E. convexus Stimpson,
1858; E. maculatus Heller, 1861 / None.
FAO name: En - Smooth spooner.
Diagnostic characters: Carapace distinctly broader than long, surfaces very smooth; anterolateral margin
with 5 lobiform teeth (first 2 teeth never spine-tipped). Chelae very long in adults, reaching or almost
reaching maximum width of carapace. Colour: quite variable, from dark grey to reddish brown, often with
a patchwork of grey and dark brown.
Size: Maximum carapace width 8 cm.
Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Inhabits reefs from the intertidal zone to a depth of about 20 m. Caught
incidentally on reefs, using nets and fish traps; also collected by hand in some parts of its range. Of low
market value, although it may be very common in certain regions, especially on disturbed reef flats.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, reaching eastwards to Guam, Hawaii, and French Polynesia.
Remarks: One of the most
distinctive members of the
genus because of its very
broad and smooth carapace
with lobiform anterolateral
margins, and the elongate
chelipeds.