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Crustaceans

Channel Clinging Crab

Maguimithrax spinosissimus

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, Mithrax spinosissimus

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Adult
@JolineCuracao · Curacao, Curaçao · December 20171 / 3
01

Overview

Found during the day, in caves and under overhangs, foraging for food at night, over coral and rocky reefs.

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.

02

How to identify

COLOURS
Pattern
blotches
Body shape
warts
Behaviour
nocturnalshelters in caves

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Western Atlantic, Caribbean
  • Country only · 3
LIVES IN

Found during the day, in caves and under overhangs, foraging for food at night, over coral and rocky reefs.

RANGE
04

Adult photos 3

05

Discussion 1

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1 comment

  • fishx6Top Contributor· 16 Jan 2019

    The 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

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Taxonomy

  1. kingdomAnimalia
  2. phylumArthropoda
  3. classMalacostraca
  4. orderDecapoda
  5. familyMithracidae
  6. genusMaguimithrax
  7. speciesMaguimithrax spinosissimus (Lamarck, 1818)

SourcesWoRMSWikipedia

06

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