FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes Western

Pilumnidae 1113
A single species of interest to fisheries occurring in the area.
Galene bispinosa (Herbst, 1783)
Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Podopilumnus fittoni M’Coy, 1849; Gecarcinus trispinosus
Desmarest, 1822; Galene granulosa Miers, 1884 / None.
FAO name: En - Square-shelled crab.
Diagnostic characters: Carapace subpentagonal, dorsal surface gently convex, lateral regions with
numerous small, rounded granules; 2 or 3 distinct conical teeth on each lateral margin (2 teeth always
distinct). Chelipeds stout, surfaces finely granulated. Colour: tan to purplish tan.
Size: Maximum carapace width 8 cm.
Habitat, biology, and fisheries: In shallower waters, down to depths of about 100 m, living on muddy
substrates. Caught mainly by bottom trawls, often in large quantities. Of low fishery value, although very
abundant in some areas. Only occasionally seen in markets and sold for low prices. Fished mainly in
Thailand and various parts of Indonesia.
Distribution: India and Southeast Asia to Australia and Japan.