Seven Spined Box Crab

Appearance

As its common name suggests, the seven-spined arcania crab has seven spines, three of which are large and clearly visible. A posterior spine in the median axis and in the extension of a sometimes white and central crest of the carapace, and two fairly strong lateral spines. Four other very small ones are located on the back of the carapace which one does not always notice. The shell, the thorns and the pincers are orange-red, with a smooth surface. The legs of locomotion are fine and translucent with orange traces. The pliers are long, tapered and symmetrical. The eyes are very close together.
Adult size: 1.50cm - 2cm

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: from South Africa and Red Sea to Philippines, Australia and Fiji.

Habitat

Found on muddy sand and soft mud. Depth; 5 - 400m.

Reproduction

Members of the order Decapoda are mostly gonochoric. Mating behavior: Precopulatory courtship ritual is common (through olfactory and tactile cues); usually indirect sperm transfer.