inland crab

The inland crab is endemic to the Australian mainland and is widely distributed throughout the north-western half of the continent, living both in the arid inland conditions of central Australia as well as the tropical and sub-tropical rivers of northern Australia. The inland crab is predominantly found throughout ephemeral rivers, creeks, and waterholes throughout Queensland (QLD) and the Northern Territory (NT), whilst located in pockets in the north-eastern parts of Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA), and parts of north-western New South Wales (NSW).

The return of water to ephemeral rivers in the wet season supports a temporary abundance of aquatic life, such as algae and fish. Though the inland crab is an omnivore, they feed primarily on algae that bloom when the water returns. However, the inland crab is an opportunistic scavenger, and will feed on any decaying animal matter it encounters.