Thalamita

Common Names

Crabs belonging to the genus Thalamita are often referred to as "swimming crabs" or "flat crabs" due to their morphology. Specific species may have additional common names depending on their geographic location and local vernacular.

Characteristics

Thalamita crabs exhibit a number of distinguishing features:

• Flattened carapace: The carapace is broad and flattened, giving them a distinctive shape.
• Long, paddle-like swimming legs: The last pair of legs are modified into broad, paddle-shaped appendages that facilitate swimming.
• Sharp, pointed tips on claws: The claws, or chelipeds, possess sharp, pointed tips, which are used for defense and feeding.
• Varied coloration: The coloration of Thalamita crabs can vary greatly between species and even within the same species, ranging from pale brown to vibrant orange.

Environments

Thalamita crabs are primarily found in coastal marine environments, particularly in:

• Estuaries: These brackish water habitats provide a rich source of food and shelter.
• Mangrove forests: The complex root systems of mangroves offer protection and a diversity of prey items.
• Seagrass meadows: The dense vegetation provides camouflage and food sources.
• Coral reefs: Some species can be found in shallow coral reefs, where they feed on a variety of invertebrates.

References

For more information on Thalamita crabs, consult the following resources:

• World Register of Marine Species
• National Center for Biotechnology Information
• Wikipedia: Portunidae