Matutidae

Common Names

Crabs in the family Matutidae are commonly known as "heart-shaped crabs" or "matuta crabs." This is due to their distinctive heart-shaped carapace, which is flattened and broader than it is long.

Characteristics

Matutidae crabs have several distinctive characteristics that distinguish them from other crab families. These include:

• Flattened carapace: The carapace of Matutidae crabs is flattened and broader than it is long, giving them a distinctive heart-shaped appearance.
• Large, prominent eyes: They have large, prominent eyes that are located on stalks that can be extended out from the carapace.
• Short, stout legs: Their legs are relatively short and stout, with the first pair of legs being modified into large, powerful claws.
• Short, pointed rostrum: They have a short, pointed rostrum, which is a projection on the front of the carapace that extends between the eyes.

Environments

Matutidae crabs are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They typically inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal areas, often near coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. They are active predators and use their powerful claws to capture prey. They are also known to burrow into the sediment, where they can hide from predators or escape from harsh environmental conditions.

References

For more information on Matutidae crabs, you can refer to the following websites:

• World Register of Marine Species
• NCBI Taxonomy Browser