Biology:Geothelphusa miyazakii
| Geothelphusa miyazakii | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
| Infraorder: | Brachyura |
| Family: | Potamidae |
| Genus: | Geothelphusa |
| Species: | G. miyazakii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Geothelphusa miyazakii (Miyake & Chiu, 1965)
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Geothelphusa miyazakii, or Miyazaki’s crab, is a species of freshwater crab in the family Potamidae, endemic to Taiwan.[2] It inhabits mountain stream environments and plays an important ecological role as both a scavenger and prey species.[2]
Taxonomy
Geothelphusa miyazakii was first described in 1965 by Japanese carcinologist Shunsuke Miyake and Taiwanese biologist Chiu.[3] It belongs to the genus Geothelphusa, a group of freshwater crabs in the family Potamidae, which are primarily distributed in East and Southeast Asia.[3]
Description
The carapace of G. miyazakii is nearly quadrate and smooth, measuring approximately 23 mm in length and 29 mm in width.[4] The crab is predominantly dark purple, with distinct orange coloration on the chelae (claw fingers) and limb joints.[4] Males exhibit marked sexual dimorphism, having unequal-sized chelipeds, while females possess smaller and more symmetrical claws.[2] The walking legs are slender and equipped with fine spines and setae (bristles).[4]
Distribution and habitat
Geothelphusa miyazakii is native to Taiwan, with a known range including northern regions such as Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan.[2][4] It inhabits low-elevation mountain streams between 50 and 200 meters above sea level, where it shelters in mud burrows or under rocks in moist, shaded environments.[4][3]
Biology and ecology
This species is primarily nocturnal, remaining concealed during the day and becoming active at night to forage.[2] It is an omnivore, feeding on algae, aquatic vegetation, and small invertebrates, and may consume up to half its body weight in food per day.[2] It uses its claws for digging, handling food, and self-defense, supported by keen eyesight and a strong sense of smell.[2]
Reproduction involves females carrying fertilized eggs on their abdomen for about 20 days until hatching.[2] The juveniles are aquatic and remain dependent on water until their respiratory system is developed for more terrestrial conditions.[2]
Conservation
Populations of Geothelphusa miyazakii are believed to be in decline due to habitat degradation, pollution, and stream channel modification.[2] Conservation efforts focused on protecting freshwater habitats and improving water quality are critical for the continued survival of this species.[2]
References
- ↑ Cumberlidge, N. and Esser, L. (2008-01-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Geothelphusa miyazakii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/134086/3893303.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 "Do you know Miyazaki's Freshwater Crab?". https://www.royalcaridinatw.com.tw/news/details.php?id=31773&group_id=6895.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "宮崎澤蟹". https://www.newton.com.tw/wiki/%E5%AE%AE%E5%B4%8E%E6%BE%A4%E8%9F%B9/7479555.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Miyazaki's Freshwater Crab". 6 May 2024. https://arthur5320.pixnet.net/blog/post/49284116.
Wikidata ☰ Q13641542 entry
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