Infraorder Brachyura Rank Species | Subphylum Crustacea Order Decapoda | |
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Similar Calappa, Calappa calappa, Calappa hepatica, Calappidae, Calappa lophos | ||
Strange crab calappa japonica
Calappa japonica, also known as the Japanese shame-faced crab, is a marine species of box crab in the family Calappidae.
Contents
- Strange crab calappa japonica
- calappa japonica butterfly ray
- Description
- Distribution and habitat
- Behaviour and diet
- References
calappa japonica butterfly ray
Description
Calappa japonica is a large crab, and has a yellow and red colouration. 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.
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, and lives in waters up to 250 metres deep. and has been found in the Red Sea.
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.