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Carpilius maculatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
| Family Name: | Carpilidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Crustacean, Crab and Prawn) |
| Common Name: | Spotted Reef Crab |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | Found in coral reefs. Feeds mainly on marine snails, using its massive muscular pincer and molariform tooth to apply pressure to crack and crush the shells. |
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| Habitats | Coral Reef, Marine |
| Distribution | Found throughout the Indo-West Pacific. |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Loss of coral reef habitats due directly or indirectly (sedimentation, pollution) to dumping, land reclamation and coastal development. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | While relatively common in other parts of the Indo-West Pacific, this attractive species is uncommon in local waters threatened by loss or deterioration of suitable coral reef habitat. A purportedly mildly poisonous species, possibly due to its diet (it occassionally feeds on toxic organisms in small amounts.) |
| Conservation Notes | The conservation of coral reef habitats is necessary for the conservation of this species. |
Status
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Endangered (EN) [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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