Description
Also known as Brachyura Crab, Caribbean King Crab, Coral Crab, Giant Mithrax, King Crab, Red-hinged Clinging Crab, Reef Crab, Reef Spider Crab, Spider Crab, Spiny Spider Crab, True Crab, West Indian Spider Crab.
Found during the day, in caves and under overhangs, foraging for food at night, over coral and rocky reefs.
They feed nocturnally on algae and carrion.
Length - 18cm
Depth - 0-170m
Widespread Western Atlantic, Caribbean
Brachyura crabs are considered true crabs, they have a short abdomen, 4 walking legs and a pair of clawed arms at the front.
Many thousands of species live worldwide in sea water, fresh water and on land. Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithrax_spinosissimus
1 comment
Posted by @fishx6The largest spider crab in the region. The nearly circular carapace, legs and claws all bear spines and tubercles, those on the claws form a single row along the upper edge of the hand. The color of the carapace and walking legs is reddish-brown, the claws are purplish-gray. They inhabit reefs and hide in caves or recesses or under rocks ledges during the day. (edit) Ref: http://species-identification.org/species.php?species_group=caribbean_diving_guide&id=128