Inachidae
Inachidae is a family of crabs, commonly known as spider crabs, due to their long, spindly legs. They are a diverse group with over 700 described species found in a wide variety of marine habitats worldwide. Inachidae crabs are distinguished by their unique features, including their often-spiny carapace, prominent rostrum, and their ability to regenerate lost limbs.
Common Names
Members of the Inachidae family are commonly referred to as spider crabs due to their long, slender legs, resembling those of spiders. Other common names include:
- Long-legged crabs
- Spiny crabs
- Decorator crabs
Characteristics
Inachidae crabs exhibit several distinctive features that set them apart from other crab families:
- Spiny Carapace: Their carapace, or shell, is often covered in prominent spines, varying in size and shape depending on the species. These spines serve a defensive purpose, deterring predators.
- Prominent Rostrum: They have a long, pointed projection on the front of their carapace, known as the rostrum, which aids in sensing the environment.
- Long, Slender Legs: Their most defining feature is their extremely long legs, which give them their spider-like appearance. These legs are used for walking, foraging, and defense.
- Regeneration: Like many other crabs, Inachidae crabs have the remarkable ability to regenerate lost limbs. If a leg is lost due to injury or predation, a new one will grow back, though it may be smaller than the original.
- Decorator Crabs: Some Inachidae species, particularly those in the genus *Majidae*, are known as decorator crabs. They have the unique ability to camouflage themselves by attaching debris, such as algae, sponges, and other organisms, to their exoskeletons. This allows them to blend in with their surroundings and avoid detection by predators.
Environments
Inachidae crabs are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Rocky Shores: Many species inhabit rocky shores and tide pools, where they can cling to the substrate and take advantage of the rich food sources available.
- Coral Reefs: Some Inachidae crabs live on coral reefs, where they find shelter among the corals and forage for food.
- Seagrass Beds: Others prefer seagrass beds, where they can hide among the blades and feed on small organisms.
- Deep Sea: Some species have adapted to living in the deep sea, where they face harsh conditions and limited food sources.