Decorator Crab
Description
of the Decorator Crab
The Decorator Crab is also known as the Seaweed crab and belongs
to the Majidae family of crabs. They are also referred to as
'Spider Crabs' due to the shape of their body or carapace. The
Decorator crab has spikes on its exoskeleton which it attaches
algae to in order to camouflage itself from predators. No two
decorator crabs look the same as their colour depends of the
type of algae, sponges or seaweed they have chosen to disguise
themselves with.
Profile of
the Decorator Crab
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Decorator Crab species.
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Size: Up to 4cm
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Fish Tank
conditions:
PH 8.1-8.4
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Diet / Feeding:
Clams, Small fish and Crustaceans
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Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive
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Habitat:
Intertidal rocky shores off the coast of Australia
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Range:
Indo-Pacific
Scientific
Classification of the Decorator Crab
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Decorator Crab?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Decorator Crab have gills?
Gills enable the Decorator Crab to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why is the Decorator Crab called an Arthropod?
An Arthropod is an invertebrate
animal (without a backbone) that has a segmented body with
jointed limbs (appendages). True crabs are Decapod
Crustaceans. Some species such as
Hermit crabs, Porcelain crabs King crabs and Horseshoe crabs are
not true crabs! Decapod Crustaceans have five pairs of
legs, the first three are used for feeding. At the end of the
limbs are the chelae which is the correct term for pincers or
claws.
Interesting Facts and Information about
Decorator Crab
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