Frog Crab (Ranina ranina)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Ranina ranina
- Common name
- Frog Crab
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Raninidae
- Genus
- Ranina
- Size
- 10–25 cm
- Depth
- 20–300 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sandy-bottom, muddy-bottom
- Behaviours
- benthic, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Ranina ranina reaches 25 cm. Unique frog crab (Raninidae), Indo-Pacific. Ovoid carapace, prominent eyes resemble frog (hence name). Flattened abdomen, robust claws. Burrows in sandy-muddy bottoms 20-300 m. Specialized nocturnal. Bivalve mollusk predator. Minimally commercialized = LC. Rarely observed. Rising aquarium hobby popularity.
Photo of Frog Crab
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Frog Crab?
- Frog Crab (Ranina ranina) reaches 10–25 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Frog Crab?
- Frog Crab is found between 20–300 m deep.
- Is the Frog Crab dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Frog Crab?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Frog Crab?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Similar species
- Palinurus elephas - European spiny lobster
- Clibanarius erythropus - Red-legged hermit crab
- Homarus gammarus - European lobster
- Pachygrapsus marmoratus - Marbled rock crab
- Mithraculus forceps - Red-ridged clinging crab
- Mithrax spinosissimus - Channel clinging crab
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 209574)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5178652)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia