Rochinia crassa, also known as the inflated spiny crab,[1][2] is a species of crab in the family Epialtidae.[3]

Rochinia crassa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Subphylum:
Class:
Order:
Infraorder:
Family:
Genus:
Species:
R. crassa
Binomial name
Rochinia crassa

Description edit

Rochinia crassa has a spiny, elongate-triancular carapace. The rostrum comprises two short, stout spines. The chelipeds are very long and thin, and in adults can be approximately four times the length of the carpace. The walking legs are also long and slender.[4]

Distribution edit

This species is found in the western Atlantic including the Gulf of Mexico, and ranges from Nova Scotia, Canada in the north,[1] to Massachusetts and Texas in United States waters. It also occurs from northern Cuba to Colombia and French Guiana.[4]

Habitat edit

It lives in soft bottoms, in substrates of mud and sand at depths of between 66 and 1,216 metres.[4] This species does not occur near vents or seep sites.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Decapod crustaceans from hydrothermal vents and cold seeps: a review through 2005 Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 145, 445–522, Joel W. Martin and Todd A. Haney
  2. ^ "ITIS Standard Report Page: Rochinia crassa". Itis.gov. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
  3. ^ Michael Türkay (2012). "Rochinia crassa". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c Guide to Shelf Invertebrates, Gulf of Mexico, Perry and Larsen, 2004

External links edit