Calappa japonica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Calappidae
Genus: Calappa
Species:
C. japonica
Binomial name
Calappa japonica
Ortmann, 1892

Calappa japonica, also known as the Japanese shame-faced crab,[1] is a marine species of box crab in the family Calappidae.[2] Originally found in the waters around Japan, more recently it has been found in Africa, the Red Sea and Western Australia.

Description

Calappa japonica is a large crab, and has a yellow and red colouration.[1] The length of carapace is approximately .65 times the width, with a tuberculated surface. Seven sharp teeth are located around the margins of each clypeiform expansion.[3]

Distribution and habitat

This species was first discovered in Tokyo Bay, Japan. It is now known to occur in regions as far away as Africa and Western Australia,[1] and lives in waters up to 250 m (820 ft) deep.[1] as well as being found in the Red Sea.[4]

Behaviour and diet

This crab is a predator, and feeds on invertebrates such as other crabs, as well as oysters and snails. It has a specially adapted right pincer which it uses to break open snail's shells. There is a large accessory tooth located at the base of the hinged part of the claw located opposite a flat plate on the fixed part, and it uses these as a vice. After breaking open the shell, it uses its left pincer, which is sharper and longer than the right one, and better at picking out the soft tissues. When it is disturbed, it folds its chelae (pincers) in front of its face and retracts its walking legs, forming a compact, well-armoured box-like structure; this defensive stance makes it appear to be embarrassed, and has led to its receiving the name, "shame-faced crab".[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Japanese Shame-Faced Crab". Creature Feature. Western Australian Museum. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  2. ↑ Peter Davie (2012). "Calappa japonica". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
  3. ↑ Tsune Sakai. "Calappa japonica". Crabs of Japan. Marine Species Identification Portal. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  4. ↑ Vassily A. Spiridonov & Michael Apel (2007). "A new species and new records of deep‐water Calappidae (Crustacea: Decapoda) from the Indian Ocean with a key to the Mursia Desmarest, 1823 species of the region". Journal of Natural History. 41 (45–48): 2851–2890. doi:10.1080/00222930701770786. S2CID 85320957.
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