Masked crab (Corystes cassivelaunus)
Facts
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Crustacea |
| Order | Decapoda |
| Family | Corystidae |
| Genus | Corystes (1) |
| Size |
Carapace width: 3 cm (2) Carapace length: 4 cm (2) |
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Status
Common and widespread (3).
Description
The masked crab (also known as the sand crab) has an elongated carapace, which is reddish brown to yellow in colour, and sometimes features patterns that look like a face (2). The bristly antennae are considerably longer than the carapace. The first pair of 'pereopods' (walking limbs) have pincers, and are roughly twice the length of the carapace in males, but are about the same length as the carapace in females (3).
Range
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Habitat
Found on sandy beaches from the lower shore to depths of around 100m (2).
Biology
The masked crab burrows backwards into the sand. Once it is in the sand, the crab forms a tube by fusing the bristles of the second pair of antennae together; it then draws water down this tube for respiration (3). It feeds on burrowing invertebrates, such as polychaete worms and bivalve molluscs (3). Females carry eggs for around 10 months, and can reproduce repeatedly for several years (3).
Threats
Not currently threatened.
Conservation
No conservation action has been targeted at this species.
Further Information
For more on this species see the Marine Life Information Network species account, available at:
http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Corystescassivelaunus.htm
Authentication
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk
Antennae: Pair of sensory structures on the head of invertebrates.
Carapace: The top shell of a turtle. In arthropods (insects, crabs etc), the fused head and thorax (the part of the body located near the head) also known as ‘cephalothorax'.
References
- National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (January, 2003)
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/ - Skewes, M. 2001. Corystes cassivelaunus. Masked crab. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth:Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. (November, 2002)
http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Corystescassivelaunus.htm - Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1996) A student's guide to the seashore. Second Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
