Biology:Macrophthalmus pacificus

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Short description: Species of sentinel crab

Macrophthalmus pacificus
Macrophthalmus pacificus, Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary, Qld, Australia.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Macrophthalmidae
Genus: Macrophthalmus
Species:
M. pacificus
Binomial name
Macrophthalmus pacificus
Dana, 1851
Synonyms[1]
  • Macrophthalmus bicarinatus Heller, 1862

Macrophthalmus pacificus is a species of sentinel crab found widely across the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, including India , Japan , Malaysia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and northern Australia .[2]

In Australia it is found in the north from northern New South Wales to around Exmouth in Western Australia.[1] M. pacificus lives in mud in tidal zones of river mouths' adjacent mangrove forests in low tide areas. The claws of adult males are sky blue.[3] It is often found feeding in shallow still water, and in soft mud.[4](p2) The upper claw of males has a tooth on the upper claw (dactyl). Like other Macrophthalmus species, the claws of the male are larger than those of the female.[3] The carapace is smooth and shiny, up to around 25 mm across.[5]

A synonym of Macrophthalmus pacificus is Macrophthalmus bicarinatus.[1]

References


Wikidata ☰ Q13805959 entry