Platypodia eydouxi

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Platypodia eydouxi
Platypodia eydouxi dorsal plate (USNM 1609453).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Xanthidae
Genus: Platypodia
Species:
P. eydouxi
Binomial name
Platypodia eydouxi

Platypodia eydouxi, also called the red-eyed xanthid crab, is a crab that belongs to the family Xanthidae. [1] It is primarily found in coral reefs and shallow marine environments across the Indo-Pacific, including Hawaii, where it is crucial in maintaining marine biodiversity. [2]

Contents

Description

Platypodia eydouxi is characterized by its distinctive red eyes, which contrast with its brownish, oval-shaped carapace. [3] The species typically has a broad and flattened body, with a sturdy carapace that provides protection. [4] Males tend to have slightly larger and more pronounced claws compared to females, though both genders share similar body structures. [3] These physical traits allow the species to blend into its coral reef environment, aiding in both defense and predation. [3]

Distribution and habitat

Platypodia eydouxi is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, with populations spread across countries such as Japan, Indonesia, and Australia. [5] This species thrives in marine habitats like coral reefs, mangroves, and rocky shores, where it finds shelter and abundant food sources. [6] To survive, Platypodia eydouxi relies on warm water temperatures and a steady supply of small marine organisms, which support its ecological role as both predator and prey in these environments. [6]

References

  1. Hoover, John P. (1998). Hawai'i's sea creatures : a guide to Hawai'i's marine invertebrates. [Honolulu, Hawaii]: Mutual Pub. ISBN   1-56647-220-2. OCLC   41975146.
  2. "STRI Marine Portal Detailed Collection Record Information". invertebase.org. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 "Platypodia Eyedouxii". MarinelifePhotography.com. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  4. Yang, Sung-Yin Yang; Keshavmurthy, Shashank; Sheppard, Charles R.C; Visram, Shakil; Chen, Chaolun Allen (2012). "Diversity and Distribution of Symbiodinium Associated with Seven Common Coral Species in the Chagos Archipelago, Central Indian Ocean". PLOS ONE. 7 (5): e35836. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035836 . PMC   3342320 . PMID   22567113.
  5. WoRMS. "Platypodia eydouxi (A. Milne-Edwards, 1865)". World Register of Marine Species . Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  6. 1 2 Clark, Paul; Ng; Ho, P.-H (2004). The Raffles Bulletin of zoology (PDF). National University of Singapore. Retrieved October 6, 2024.