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Calappa spp.
| Family Name: | Calappidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Crustacean, Crab and Prawn) |
| Common Name: | Box Crab, Can-opener Crab |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | These crabs burrow into soft, sandy/muddy substrates. The high carapace, together with tall narrow triangular mouthparts, help these animals to respire while remaining hidden just below the surface of the substrate. The special cutting tooth at the base of the finger of the right pincer is used to peel open snail shells. |
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| Habitats | Marine |
| Distribution | At least three medium-sized species occur in Singapore waters: C. lophos (Herbst, 1758), C. hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758) and C. philargius (Linnaeus, 1758). They are also found throughout much of the Indo-West Pacific. |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Coastal development, land reclamation and pollution leading to loss of good non-reef sublittoral habitats. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | While relatively common in other parts of the Indo-West Pacific and sometimes sold as food, these attractive species are uncommon in local waters and threatened by loss of suitable habitat. |
| Conservation Notes | The conservation of the sandy/muddy benthic habitats. |
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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