| Cardisoma guanhumi | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Crustacea |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Infraorder: | Brachyura |
| Family: | Gecarcinidae |
| Genus: | Cardisoma |
| Species: | C. guanhumi |
| Binomial name | |
| Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille, 1825 |
|
Cardisoma guanhumi, also known as the blue land crab, is a species of land crab found in tropical and subtopical estuaries and other maritime areas of land along the Atlantic coast of the Americas, from Brazil[1] and Colombia, through the Caribbean, to the Bahamas, and as far north as Vero Beach, Florida.[2] The species varies in colour from dark blue to brown or pale grey, and may grow to 11 centimetres (4.3 in) in width and weigh over 500 grams (18 oz).[2]
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The carapace of C. guanhumi can reach sizes up to around 11 cm (4.3 in) and overall reaching sizes of up to 35 cm (14 in). Males, like many crabs possess dimorphic claws: the larger claw can grow up to around 15 cm (5.9 in) in length, (eventually becoming larger than the carpace itself). The eyes are stalked and its colour ranges from a deep blue to a pale grey, juveniles generally have a brown carpace with orange coloured legs. Females usually appear light gray or white. Adult colours are usually present between 80 g (2.8 oz) and 180 g (6.3 oz). The species can weigh over 500 g (18 oz).[2]
Cardisoma guanhumi is found throughout estuarine and other coastal regions of the Caribbean, and along the Atlantic coast of Central and South America. In the United States it can be found in the Gulf of Mexico and coastal areas of Florida, and as far north as Vero Beach, Florida.[2]
Cardisoma guanhumi is omnivorous, collecting and eating leaves and fruits close to its burrow whilst also eating insects and carrion. Like many crabs, this species is cannibalistic. If exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, they prefer to feed at night.[2]
Cardisoma guanhumi finds its food using light and sound detectors. Experiments show that crabs can be drawn out of their burrows to investigate the sound of falling fruit, once out they initiate a search for food. Predatory behavior is released in these crabs by detection of small moving objects. Crabs in the genus Cardisoma are able to detect small vibrations on the ground within the range of 10–1500 Hz and 70 dB. Visual acuity increases with body size due to an increase in both the number and diameter of ommatidia.[2]
The reproductive cycle is closely linked to seasonal weather patterns and lunar phase. Heavy rains in the spring initiate migrations. When this occurs, C. guanhumi begins to gain weight, as more food is consumed and gathered for the first few weeks of the migratory period. Males mate with mature females during this time. Fertilization is internal, and throughout July and August most females carry the eggs externally. After approximately 2 weeks the eggs will hatch and must be released into saltwater for the larvae to survive. Several spawns per year may occur with spawning season varying with location within the range. In Florida, spawning season lasts from June to December and reaches its peak in October and November. In the Bahamas the season extends from July to September, while in Venezuela spawning lasts from July to November. Eggs hatch into free swimming larvae with 5 zoeal stages and 1 postlarval or megalopa stage. Typical development time from hatching to the first crabs stage is 42 days under laboratory conditions; however, this time may be much shorter in wild specimens.[2]
C. guanhumi is a slow-growing species compared to most other crabs. It requires more than 60 molts – roughly three times more than other species of crab - to reach its full size. The crab will generally seal the exit to their burrow using mud, 6–10 days before they molt to protect themselves from predators. (After molting they become more vulnerable to attack as their shell has not yet hardened.)[2]