Coastal horseshoe crab [Tachypleus gigas]
Description
The Coastal horseshoe crab, or Tachypleus gigas, is a large species of horseshoe crab that can reach up to 70 cm in length. It is found in the coastal waters of Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It prefers sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow waters and is often seen in estuaries and around river mouths. It feeds on small invertebrates and can often be seen foraging in the sand during low tide. It is currently listed as an endangered species due to habitat loss and overfishing.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Horseshoe Crabs
Merostomata
|
| Order |
Xiphosura
Xiphosura
|
| Family |
Horseshoe Crabs
Limulidae
|
| Genus |
Mangrove horseshoe crab
Carcinoscorpius
|