Mangrove horseshoe crab [Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda]
Description
The Mangrove horseshoe crab, scientifically known as Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, is a species of horseshoe crab found in the marine waters of Southeast Asia and India. It prefers to inhabit brackish waters and is commonly found in mangroves and estuaries. Unlike other horseshoe crabs, it has a rounded rear-end, hence the name 'rotundicauda'. It has a similar diet to other horseshoe crabs, primarily feeding on small invertebrates. This species is of medical importance, as its blue blood is used to test the sterility of medical equipment.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Horseshoe Crabs
Merostomata
|
| Order |
Xiphosura
Xiphosura
|
| Family |
Horseshoe Crabs
Limulidae
|
| Genus |
Mangrove horseshoe crab
Carcinoscorpius
|