Classification
Kingdom- Animalia Phylum- Arthropoda Class - Malacostraca Order - Decapoda Family - Majidae Genus - Xenocarcinus Species - Tuberculatus |
MorphologyAlso known as the decorator crab.
This animal can grow to an astounding 4 inches It has a triangular carapace that is typically 2.5 centimeters long Omnivorous and eats micro-algae and fish Camoflauges itself with its background in order to keep safe from predators Molts its shell and leaves it visibly to attract predators and safely avoid them Is segmented and bilaterally symmetrical. |
Distribution
This animal can be found in the Indo-West Pacific.
The xeno crab lives in rocky reefs on black coral.
This animal is usually found in pairs when they are young.
Can be commonly seen attached to sea whips.
Is active all year round but not easily detectable.
The xeno crab lives in rocky reefs on black coral.
This animal is usually found in pairs when they are young.
Can be commonly seen attached to sea whips.
Is active all year round but not easily detectable.
Ecological Importance
This animal has several nicknames such as the whip coral crab, the
decorator crab, the spider decorator crab, and the conical spider crab.
The xeno spider crabs shares symbiotic relationships with a few
other species.
Gorgonians, whip corals, hydroids, and black corals are its
symbiotic partners.
Vocabluary
Carapace - A sturdy, bony shell covering the dorsal part of an animal
Micro-algae - Microscopic algae commonly found in freshwater or marine environments
Bilaterally symmetrical - Able to be divided into two equal halves
Detectable - The act of being caught or seen while performing some act
Symbiotic - When two seperate organisms live together and aid each other
Micro-algae - Microscopic algae commonly found in freshwater or marine environments
Bilaterally symmetrical - Able to be divided into two equal halves
Detectable - The act of being caught or seen while performing some act
Symbiotic - When two seperate organisms live together and aid each other