Masking Crab
Loxorhynchus crispatus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Superorder: Eucarida
- Order: Decapoda
- Infraorder: Brachyura
- Family: Epialtidae
- Genus: Loxorhynchus
- Species: crispatus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Loxorhynchus crispatus: //ˌlɒksəˈrɪŋkəs krɪsˈpɑːtəs//
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Summary
Loxorhynchus crispatus, or the masking crab, is known for its unique ability to camouflage itself by decorating its shell with algae and plant material.
Physical Characteristics
Body covered with algae or seaweed, helping the crab to camouflage in its environment.
Identification Tips
Look for a crab with a flattened body and long, slender legs that is often covered in a layer of plant material.
Habitat
Found in intertidal zones and shallow waters, often associated with rocky substrates and seaweed beds.
Distribution
Eastern Pacific, from Northern California to Baja California.
Diet
Primarily detritivorous, feeding on algae and organic matter found within its environment.
Life Cycle
Life cycles include larval stages that develop in the water before settling into benthic habitats.
Reproduction
Reproduce via external fertilization; females carry fertilized eggs until they hatch into larvae.
Predators
Larger fish, sea birds, and other marine predators.
Ecosystem Role
Contributes to the ecosystem by recycling nutrients through its feeding habits.
Similar Taxa
- Loxorhynchus grandis
- Pseudocarcinus gigas
Tags
- Crustacean
- True Crab
- Masking Crab
- Decorator Crab
- Epialtidae