Taliepus marginatus

, Taliepus marginatus, Taliepus marginatus

Afghanistan, Alaska, Algeria, Andaman and Nicobar, Angola, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Arctic, Argentina, Ascension Island, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores Islands, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Cocos Islands, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Corsica Island, Crete Island, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, El Salvador, England, Equatorial Guinea, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gabon, Galapagos Islands, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hawaii, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macedonia, Madagascar, Madeira Islands, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norfolk Island, North Korea, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Saint Martin, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sardinia Island, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Sicily Island, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay, US Minor Islands, USA, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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

## Taliepus marginatus, a notable crab species, is a member of the family Epialtidae, belonging to the larger group of decapod crustaceans within the class Malacostraca. Found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, this crab species is known for its distinctive characteristics and ecological role.

Description and Characteristics

Taliepus marginatus is recognized for its unique features, including its relatively large size, reaching a maximum carapace width of around 15 centimeters. Its body is adorned with prominent spines and ridges, giving it a rugged appearance. The carapace, which forms the protective outer shell, is typically a mottled brown or reddish-brown color, often with a darker margin, hence the species name “marginatus.” This coloration helps the crab camouflage itself against the rocky substrate of its habitat.

Habitat and Occurrence

Taliepus marginatus thrives in a variety of marine environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. It is often found in intertidal and subtidal zones, typically inhabiting rocky shores and coral reefs. Its depth range extends from the shallow intertidal to depths of up to 50 meters. This species’ preference for rocky habitats and its wide depth range make it a common inhabitant of coastal areas throughout its distribution. Taliepus marginatus is primarily associated with the tropical and subtropical marine zones, reflecting its preference for warm and saline waters.

Taxonomy

Taliepus marginatus is classified within the family Epialtidae, which comprises a diverse group of spider crabs. The family Epialtidae belongs to the order Decapoda, a large and diverse group of crustaceans characterized by ten walking legs. Decapods are further classified within the class Malacostraca, a vast group of crustaceans that includes a wide range of species, from crabs and lobsters to shrimp and krill.

Feeding

As an omnivorous species, Taliepus marginatus exhibits a diverse diet, feeding on a variety of organic matter. This includes algae, small invertebrates, and even detritus, making it a significant player in the ecosystem’s food web. Its feeding behavior contributes to the overall health and balance of the marine environment it inhabits.

Associated Species

Image References

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