FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes Western

1144 Crabs
Varuna litterata (Fabricius, 1798)
Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / None.
FAO name: En - Oceanic paddler crab.
Diagnostic characters: Carapace squarish,
surface smooth; front straight; anterolateral
margins each with 3 very broad, low but sharp
teeth. Dactylus, propodus, and carpus of legs
laterally flattened, fringed with long, closely
packed setae. Colour: light brown to brownish
grey on dorsal surfaces.
Size: Maximum carapace width 5 cm (males).
Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Varuna litterata
prefers areas faced by more oceanic
waters whereas V. yui is only known from the
continental shelf waters of Southeast Asia and
neighbouring areas. Both species occur together in the Philippines. V. litterata and V. yui are generally
estuarine crabs that usually prefer slow-moving or almost stagnant bodies of water. Both species, however,
can be found up to 20 km from the sea in completely fresh water. Large or ovigerous specimens can be
found in intertidal areas, frequently associated with floating clumps of brown algae, Sargassum spp.
Collected in good numbers in most Southeast Asian countries for food. Usually collected by hand, but also
caught by traps, seines, and fish corrals. Like Episesarma, the species of Varuna in the area are usually
pickled in vinegar and/or salt solutions. They are then eaten as such or deeply fried. They are also collected
for their tasty ovaries and are
especially common in markets
during their breeding period.
Distribution: Widely distributed
in the Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: The 2 species of
Varuna in the area, V. litterata
and V. yui (see abbreviated
species account below), are
very similar externally, and
can only be distinguished effectively
by means of their
male gonopods.
Varuna yui Hwang and Takeda, 1984
En - Sundaic paddler crab.
Maximum carapace width 5 cm. In estuarine waters up to 20 km inland in completely fresh water.
Collected in large numbers in most Southeast Asian countries for local consumption. Usually
collected by hand, but also caught by traps, seines, and fish corrals. In continental shelf waters of
the Sunda Shelf up to southern China and Philippines, occurring together with Varuna litterata in
the latter 2 localities. V. yui is the dominant species of the genus in the Sunda Shelf.