Ocypode ryderi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Ocypodidae
Genus: Ocypode
Species:
O. ryderi
Binomial name
Ocypode ryderi
Kingsley, 1880

Ocypode ryderi, also known as the pink ghost crab,[1][2] is a species of ghost crab found on the east coast of Africa from the Eastern Cape Region to Kenya.[3]

Identification

The body exhibits a pale pink hue with noticeable mauve/purple joints on the legs; characterized by a square carapace and long, sturdy legs. The eyes are on long stalks but lack the extended horns found in Ocypode ceratophthalma and some other Ocypode species. The larger of the two nippers has a granular stridulating organ on the palm which consists of a single row of granules. Adults are on average 35 millimetres (1.4 in) in length.[2]

Biology

Abundant on tropical beaches that are exposed to the sea. They burrow deeply by day and emerge at night to feed on deposited carrion and small animals.[2]

Ocypode madagascariensis is almost identical but it is sandy coloured and its legs do not have mauve joints.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Lynne Matthews (2007). The Coastal Guide of South Africa. Johannesburg, South Africa: Jacana Media. p. 72. ISBN 978-1-77009-248-8.
  2. 1 2 3 4 G. M. Branch; M. L. Branch; C. L. Griffiths; L. E. Buckley (2007). Two Oceans: a Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers. ISBN 1-77007-633-6.
  3. ↑ L. F. Jackson, M. J. Smale and P. F. Berry (1991). "Ghost crabs of the genus Ocypode (Decapoda, Brachyura, Ocypodidae) of the east coast of South Africa". Crustaceana. 61 (3): 280–286. doi:10.1163/156854091X00164. JSTOR 20104707.
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