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Camposcia retusa Latreille, 1829
| Family Name: | Inachidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Crustacean, Crab and Prawn) |
| Common Name: | Velcro Crab, Decorator Crab |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | This species is found in littoral and sublittoral habitats with rocky or coral rubble substrates. A master camoufleur, it disguises itself with pieces of algae, coral sponges and other encrusting organisms as well as debris by attaching these to the hook-like hairs covering its body and legs. Coupled with its very slow movement, the species is easily overlooked. |
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| Habitats | Marine, Rocky Shore |
| Distribution | Indo-west Pacific. |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Loss of rocky or coral rubble habitats to coastal development and pollution. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | This species is representative of species that inhabit rocky or coral rubble habitats. Recently, it was found that there are some unique marine fauna adapted to surviving in these kind habitats. |
| Conservation Notes | The conservation of what little rocky and coral rubble littoral areas remain in Singapore is needed to protect this hard-to-find crab. This crab is also very popular in the aquarium trade and turns up often in aquariums. Its collection from local waters should be controlled or stopped. |
Status
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Vulnerable (VU) [2008] |
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Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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