Mithraculus

Common Names

Species within the genus Mithraculus are commonly referred to as "spider crabs," "spiny spider crabs," or "decorator crabs." This last moniker arises from some species' tendency to adorn their bodies with various objects like sponges, algae, and hydroids, effectively camouflaging themselves.

Characteristics

Mithraculus crabs are easily recognizable by their long, slender legs and their often-prominent, spiny carapaces. The size of these crabs varies between species, but generally ranges from a few centimeters to several inches in width. Their colors can be quite diverse, including shades of red, orange, brown, and even green.

Some key characteristics of Mithraculus crabs include:

• Spiny carapace: Their carapace is covered in prominent spines and tubercles, providing them with a distinctive appearance and some degree of protection.
• Long, slender legs: Their legs are much longer than their body, allowing them to reach out and explore their surroundings. They are often used for locomotion and for catching prey.
• Deciduous claws: Some species have the ability to shed their claws as a defense mechanism. This allows them to escape a predator's grasp and regenerate a new claw later.
• Decorator crab behavior: Some species are known to adorn their bodies with sponges, algae, and hydroids, which provide them with camouflage and protection from predators.

Environments

Mithraculus crabs are found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in shallow coastal waters, rocky reefs, and seagrass meadows. They prefer habitats with abundant food and shelter. Some species are known to inhabit deeper water environments, including coral reefs and the ocean floor.

References

You can find more information about Mithraculus crabs on these websites:

• World Register of Marine Species
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System
• Encyclopedia of Life