Melithaeidae
Melithaeidae is a family of marine crabs, belonging to the infraorder Brachyura. They are commonly known as “box crabs” or “boxers” due to their distinctive box-shaped carapace and the way they hold their large claws in front of their body, resembling a boxer’s stance. Melithaeidae comprises a diverse group of crabs with approximately 180 species distributed across 17 genera.
Characteristics
Melithaeidae crabs exhibit several defining characteristics that distinguish them from other crab families. These include:
- Box-shaped carapace: The carapace, or shell, is distinctly box-shaped, with a flattened and often somewhat rectangular appearance.
- Large, prominent claws: The claws are exceptionally large and are held in a characteristic boxer-like stance, extending forward in front of the body.
- Short, stout legs: The legs are short and robust, which contributes to the crab's squat and compact build.
- Eyes located on stalks: Melithaeidae crabs have eyes located on prominent stalks, which allows for a wide field of vision.
- Variable size: These crabs vary in size from very small species to those that can reach up to 10 cm in width.
Environments
Melithaeidae crabs are found in a wide range of marine habitats, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. They can be found in both shallow and deeper waters, and are commonly associated with:
- Coral reefs: Many species of Melithaeidae crabs are found amongst the intricate structures of coral reefs, where they find shelter and food.
- Rocky shores: They can also be found in rocky intertidal areas, where they cling to crevices and boulders.
- Seagrass beds: Some species prefer the sheltered environment of seagrass beds, where they can hide and forage for food.
- Mangrove swamps: These crabs are known to inhabit mangrove swamps, where they find suitable habitats and access to food sources.
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information)