Calappa japonica

Calappa japonica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
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]

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,[1] and lives in waters up to 250 metres deep.[1] and has been 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. After breaking open the shell, it uses its left pincer. This is sharper and longer than the right.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "The Japanese Shame-Faced Crab". Creature Feature. Western Australian Museum. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  2. ↑ Peter Davie (2012). "Calappa japonica". 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.