Rhinolambrus
Rhinolambrus is a genus of spider crabs belonging to the family Inachidae. The name is derived from the Greek words “rhinos” (nose) and “lambrus” (a kind of shellfish), likely referring to the distinctive rostral horn present on their carapace. These crabs are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region and are characterized by their elongated legs, spiny carapace, and often brightly colored bodies.
Common Names
Common names for species within the genus Rhinolambrus vary depending on location and language. Some examples include:
- Spiny Spider Crab
- Long-legged Spider Crab
- Rhino Spider Crab
Characteristics
Rhinolambrus crabs share several defining characteristics:
- Elongated legs: Their legs are exceptionally long, often exceeding the length of their carapace, giving them their "spider" crab moniker.
- Spiny carapace: Their carapace is covered in numerous spines and tubercles, offering protection from predators.
- Rostral horn: A prominent horn or spine projects from the anterior margin of the carapace, resembling a nose.
- Bright coloration: Many Rhinolambrus species exhibit bright colors, often with contrasting patterns.
Environments
Rhinolambrus crabs typically inhabit shallow, coastal waters, often found on rocky reefs, coral rubble, or seagrass beds. They are primarily nocturnal, hiding during the day and becoming active at night to forage for food.
References
For further information on Rhinolambrus, consult the following reliable sources: