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Cymo andreossyi (Audouin, 1826)
| Family Name: | Xanthidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Crustacean, Crab and Prawn) |
| Common Name: | Hairy Coral Crab |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | These crabs are obligate symbionts of Pocillopora or Acropora hard corals. The relationship is mutualisticm, with the species occupying a niche similar to that occupied by the more colourful Trapezia species. Cymo species, however are typically drab in colouration, and usually have a layer of algae growing on their carapace. |
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| Habitats | Coral Reef, Marine |
| Distribution | Found throughout the Indo-West Pacific. |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | As obligate coral symbionts, the survival of this species is directly associated with the conservation of coral reefs, which are under threat from coastal development and land reclamation resulting in heavy siltation, dumping and pollution. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | The mutualistic nature of the relationship between this species and hard corals suggest that the well-being of the latter is likewise influenced by the survival of the crab. |
| Conservation Notes | The conservation of coral reef habitats is necessary 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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