Subphylum Crustacea Order Decapoda | Infraorder Brachyura | |
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Description
The cephathorax of Ethusa mascarone is almost rectangular, it can reach a length of 15 millimetres (0.59 in) and a width of 13 millimetres (0.51 in). The body color is gray-brown, with brown lines on the carapace and transverse striae on the abdomen. Chelipeds and legs are lighter and white speckled.
Legs are very long, but hind legs are shorter and are used to carry on the back a variety of objets and organisms, especially valves of bivalves, by which these crabs camouflage and protect themselves.
They mainly feed on small organisms and decaying flesh of dead animals.
Distribution
This species is present in the Mediterranean Sea.
Habitat
These crabs live on sandy substrate and muddy bottom, from a few meters up to 75 m deep.
References
Ethusa mascarone Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA