Atergatis subdentatus explained

Atergatis subdentatus, also known as the red reef crab,[1] dark-finger coral crab[1] or eyed coral crab,[2] is a species of crab in the family Xanthidae.

Description

Atergatis subdentatus has a compact shape, and may appear either uniform crimson in colour, or may have an irregularly mottled yellow on a crimson background.[3] It has a broadly subquadrilateral carapace which grows to about wide,[2] and has finely punctulated by the anterior and antero-lateral borders.[4] It normally has an orange spot in the centre of the carapace, often with two small, white 'eyes' within.[2]

The arms have a flattish inner surface with two, inward-pointing teeth. Beside the teeth are brush-like hairs grouped together in four or five bundles.[4]

Distribution

The type locality for this species is Japan, and it can be found around many of the Japanese islands. It also occurs in the waters of Taiwan,[4] Singapore, and rarely in the Lakshadweep Islands and Gulf of Mannar.[3]

Habitat

This species lives on coral reefs and rocky beaches at a range of 3- in depth.[3]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Red Reef Crab, Atergatis subdentatus - (de Haan, 1835) . 2008 . 12 September 2012. Microcosm Aquarium Explorer.
  2. Book: Michael Samways . Peter Hitchins . Orty Bourquin . Jock Henwood . 2010 . Tropical Island Recovery: Cousine Island, Seychelles . . 9781444333091 .
  3. Web site: Atergatis subdentatus . Brachyuran crabs of west coast, India . . 2002 . R. Jeyabaskaran, Sayeeda Wafar . M. V. M. Wafar . amp . August 17, 2012.
  4. Web site: Atergatis subdentatus . Marine Species Identification Portal . 1976 . Tsune Sakai . Crabs of Japan . August 17, 2012.