Porcellanella
Porcellanella is a genus of small, deep-sea crabs in the family Epialtidae. They are commonly referred to as “porcelain crabs” due to their delicate, thin exoskeletons. These crabs exhibit a remarkable diversity in their morphology and color patterns, with some species sporting vibrant hues of red, orange, or purple.
Characteristics
Porcelain crabs are characterized by their flattened, oval-shaped carapace and long, slender legs. Their exoskeleton is typically smooth and glossy, giving them a porcelain-like appearance. Some species possess distinctive spiny projections or tubercles on their carapace and legs. Their eyes are small and set on short stalks.
Porcelain crabs are generally small, with most species reaching a carapace width of less than 2 cm. However, some larger species, like Porcellanella picta, can grow up to 5 cm wide.
Environment
Porcelain crabs inhabit a wide range of deep-sea environments, from the continental shelf to the abyssal plain. They are often found in association with corals, sponges, and other invertebrates, where they forage for food. Some species are also known to be commensal, living in close association with other organisms, such as sea stars or sea urchins.
Distribution
Porcelain crabs are found worldwide in all major oceans. They are particularly abundant in the Indo-Pacific region, where the genus exhibits a high degree of diversity.
Diet
Porcelain crabs are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a variety of organic matter, including dead animals, algae, and detritus. They also prey on small invertebrates, such as worms and crustaceans.
Reproduction
Porcelain crabs reproduce sexually, with females laying eggs that are attached to their abdomen. The larvae hatch as planktonic zoeae, which drift in the water column for a period before settling to the bottom and undergoing metamorphosis into juvenile crabs.
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
A Revision of the Deep-Sea Crab Genus Porcellanella Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Epialtidae)