Trivia about the Philippine Crabs
Goneplacid Crab (Carcinoplax nana) – This dark-fingered goneplacid crab inhabits rocks and boulders to depths of 30 to 70 meters in Balicasag Island. [Photo: P. K. L. Ng]
Largo’s Spider Crab (Cyrtomaia largoi) – This deep sea spider crab is characterised by many long sharp spines and long legs. This species was hauled out of the depths from over 400 meters. The species is named after the head of USC’s biology program, Dr Danilo Largo, and was described by Dr. Bertrand Richer de Forges, an expert on the genus, from the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement in Nouméa, New Caledonia. [Photo: T. Y. Chan]
Fuzzy Sponge Crab (Hirsutodynomene vespertilio) – It is easily the most diagnostic of the sponge crabs known due to its dense fur and unusual carapace features, hence its common name. The species was named by Professor Colin McLay of Canterbury University in New Zealand, an expert on the family. [Photo: P. Ng]
Daniele’s Deepwater Porter Crab (Dicranodromia danielae) – This belongs to a strange group of deep sea crabs whose members are rarely seen. It is one new species from Panglao. It is a small and peculiar species allied to a more common species from Japan. The species is named after Professor Daniele Guinot of the Paris Museum, who last revised this interesting family of crabs. [Photo: P. Ng]
Stimpson’s Intricate Spider Crab (Oxypleurodon stimpsoni) – This beautifully carved spider crab usually inhabits muddy bottoms or broken shells from depths of 55 to 150 meters. This crab is named after Stimpson, a carcinologist. [Photo: P. K. L. Ng]
Spider Crab (Cyrtomaia ericina) – This large spider crab usually inhabits soft bottom environment to depths of 50 to 120 meters. [Photo: P. K. L. Ng]
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