Platypodiella spectabilis, known as the gaudy clown crab, or simply the clown crab is a small species of crab in the family Xanthidae that is native to the Gulf of Mexico.
| Platypodiella spectabilis | |
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| Species: | P. spectabilis
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| Platypodiella spectabilis (Herbst, 1794)
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Description edit
P. spectabilis is relatively small, with a carapace of up to 3 cm in width. The shell is typically bright orange, with bilaterally symmetrical patches of cream with blue rims and dots. This brilliant appearance leads to the crab's common name.
Distribution and habitat edit
This species inhabits coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico, typically on or near zoanthids and sponges. They can be found from around 0.5 - 50m.
Human uses edit
Due to its small size, P. spectabilis is of no use to humans as a source of food. It is instead favoured in the pet trade as an aquarium pet, mostly for its striking appearance and easy husbandry.
References edit
External links edit
- Photos of Platypodiella spectabilis on Sealife Collection