Spotted Rock Crab, Spotted Belly Crab – Ozius guttatus

, Spotted Rock Crab, Spotted Belly Crab, Ozius guttatus
Depth: 1 - 800 m

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Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf, Yellow Sea

The Spotted Rock Crab, Spotted Belly Crab, scientifically known as Ozius guttatus, is a species of crab found in various marine environments across the Indo-Pacific region. This crab is recognized for its distinctive markings and its adaptability to diverse habitats.

Description & Characteristics

Ozius guttatus, commonly called the Spotted Rock Crab or Spotted Belly Crab, is a medium-sized crab with a carapace (shell) that can reach up to 7.5 cm in width. The carapace is typically brown or reddish-brown in color, and it is covered in numerous white or cream-colored spots, giving it its characteristic appearance. The crab’s underside, or belly, also features these prominent spots, hence its alternative name. The legs of Ozius guttatus are relatively long and slender, with the claws (chelipeds) being particularly robust.

Habitat and Occurrence

Ozius guttatus is a remarkably adaptable species, inhabiting a wide range of marine environments. It can be found in coral reefs, intertidal zones, tidal zones, mangrove zones, muddy grounds, reef slopes, rocky shores, rock coasts, rubble floors, and even tide pools. This versatility allows the crab to thrive in various depths, from the intertidal zone to the sublittoral zone, which extends to the shelf edge at around 200 meters. The species is classified as a neritic crab, meaning it is found in the shallow, sunlit waters of the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

The species Ozius guttatus belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, Order: Decapoda, and Family: Oziidae. This classification places it within the broad group of crustaceans, specifically within the decapod order, which encompasses crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. The family Oziidae comprises a diverse group of crabs characterized by their flattened bodies and often brightly colored carapaces.

Distribution and Occurrence

The Spotted Rock Crab, Spotted Belly Crab (Ozius guttatus) is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Its occurrence is documented in countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Japan. Its presence in these areas is attributed to its adaptability to a variety of marine environments, ranging from the intertidal zone to the sublittoral zone. Ozius guttatus, being a neritic crab, thrives in the shallow, sunlit waters of the continental shelf.

Feeding

Ozius guttatus is a carnivorous crab with a diet primarily consisting of other invertebrates. Its preferred prey includes clams, crustaceans like other crabs and shrimps, and snails. The crab uses its powerful claws to break open shells and extract the soft tissues within.

Associated Species

Image References

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