Atlantic Sand Crab [Phimochirus operculatus]
Description
The Atlantic Sand Crab, also known as the 'operculate mole crab', is a small crustacean that typically measures between 2 to 3 cm in length. This species is characterized by its oval-shaped, pale brown body. Males have one cheliped (claw-bearing limb) larger than the other. They inhabit the intertidal zones of the western Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts to Brazil, burrowing in sandy or muddy substrates. They mainly feed on detritus and plankton.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Crustaceans
Malacostraca
|
| Order |
Decapods
Decapoda
|
| Family |
Hermit Crabs
Paguridae
|
| Genus |
Phimochirus
Phimochirus
|