Achelous
Achelous is a genus of crabs in the family Portunidae. It was established in 1834 by Wilhelm de Haan, a Dutch zoologist. Achelous crabs are known for their distinctive flattened bodies, sharp spines, and large, paddle-like claws. These characteristics help them maneuver in their marine environments and defend themselves against predators.
Common Names
Crabs belonging to the Achelous genus are commonly known as "swimming crabs" due to their ability to swim using their flattened bodies and paddle-like claws. They are also sometimes referred to as "mud crabs" or "sand crabs" depending on their preferred habitat.
Characteristics
Achelous crabs share several common physical traits:
- Flattened body: This shape aids in swimming and maneuvering through water.
- Sharp spines: Spines along the carapace and claws provide protection against predators.
- Large, paddle-like claws: These claws are used for swimming, defense, and capturing prey.
- Wide, flattened abdomen: This feature helps with swimming and provides a larger surface area for attaching eggs in females.
Environments
Achelous crabs are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are commonly found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays.
- Muddy or sandy bottoms: They prefer habitats with soft, muddy or sandy substrates.
- Tropical and subtropical regions: They are distributed primarily in warm, tropical, and subtropical waters.