| Macropodia falcifera | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Crustacea |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Infraorder: | Brachyura |
| Family: | Inachidae |
| Genus: | Macropodia |
| Species: | M. falcifera |
| Binomial name | |
| Macropodia falcifera (Stimpson, 1857) |
|
Macropodia falcifera, the Cape long-legged spider crab, is a species of marine crab which is found around the South African coast. It is a member of the family Inachidae.
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The Cape long-legged spider crab is found from 15 to at least 35m underwater, from the Cape Peninsula to East London. It is endemic to this region.
The Cape long-legged spider crab has a small arrowhead-shaped body, which may be 20mm in height, and long spindly legs, which may grow to 60 millimetres (2.4 in) in length. Its pincers are considerably sturdier than its legs and are tipped with white claws. The body is pinkish or reddish and the legs and pincers are usually a darker red.[1]
The animals often decorates itself with hydroids or algae. It is often found on sea fans.