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Eriphia ferox Koh & Ng, 2008
| Family Name: | Eriphiidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Crustacean, Crab and Prawn) |
| Common Name: | Red-eyed Reef Crab |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | Found in coral reefs as well as in rocky intertidal areas. 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 at Labrador Beach, the only natural rocky intertidal habitat on mainland Singapore. Also found throughout the Indo-West Pacific. |
| Nature Reserves | Labrador Nature Reserve |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Loss of coral reef and rocky intertidal habitats to dumping, land reclamation and coastal development. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | This genus of crabs was commonly collected around rocky intertidal habitat. Due to the loss of these types of habitats in Singapore, these crabs are under threat. A recent study confirms that one of the most common species in this genus is new after more than a century of mistaken identity. It had been known as Eriphia smithii, but the real E. smithii is restricted to the western part of the Indian Ocean, with the one from Southeast and East Asia belonging to the new species instead. The species was recently name E. ferox, alluding to its rather fierce temperament. A striking example of how new species of even large macroinvertebrates are still being discovered in urbanised Singapore. |
| Conservation Notes | The conservation of coral reefs as well as natural rocky shores is important for the conservation of this species. |
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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