Orangutan crab (Achaeus japonicus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Achaeus japonicus
- Common name
- Orangutan crab
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Inachidae
- Genus
- Achaeus
- Size
- 2–4 cm
- Depth
- 5–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- cryptic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific
Description
Achaeus japonicus reaches 4 cm. Tiny spider crab with triangular body entirely covered with long orange to red-brown hairs giving characteristic hairy appearance (hence orangutan crab). Long clumsy claws. Lives commensally on bubble anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor) and soft corals from 5 to 60 m on coral reefs of western and central Indo-Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia). Listed LC. One of the most sought-after macro subjects of Lembeh, Anilao muck dives. Hard to find, great photographic reward.
Photo of Orangutan crab
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Orangutan crab?
- Orangutan crab (Achaeus japonicus) reaches 2–4 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Orangutan crab?
- Orangutan crab is found between 5–60 m deep.
- Is the Orangutan crab dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Orangutan crab?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Orangutan crab?
- Found in: Asian Pacific.
Other species in the family Inachidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 441846)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5971191)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia