Macrophthalmus setosus is a species of sentinel crab found on the east coast of Australia, from around Queensland to Sydney.

[2] Macrophthalmus setosus is found low down on muddy river and creek banks and in exposed sea grass areas in tidal zones, at times near mangroves.

[2] Males have a tooth on the upper claw (dactyl).

The carapace is around 40 mm wide, and rectangular, greater than 1.7 times wide than long.

[3] Eye stalks are long and thin.