Channel clinging crab (Mithrax spinosissimus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Mithrax spinosissimus
- Common name
- Channel clinging crab
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Mithracidae
- Genus
- Mithrax
- Size
- 10–30 cm
- Depth
- 1–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- reef, cave
- Behaviours
- nocturnal, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Mithrax spinosissimus reaches 30 cm in carapace, one of the largest Caribbean crabs. Reddish-orange carapace covered with spines and tubercles, large truncated claws. Usually found in caves and under coral overhangs where it clings to walls. Nocturnal, mainly herbivorous (algae). Studied for its potential role in biological control of invasive algae on degraded reefs. From 1 to 30 m, Caribbean.
Photo of Channel clinging crab
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Channel clinging crab?
- Channel clinging crab (Mithrax spinosissimus) reaches 10–30 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Channel clinging crab?
- Channel clinging crab is found between 1–30 m deep.
- Is the Channel clinging crab dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Channel clinging crab?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Channel clinging crab?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the family Mithracidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 421994)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2226780)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia