Calappa rubroguttata Herklots, 1851
Spotted box crab
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Family:  Calappidae (box crabs)
Max. size:  10.8 cm CW (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 90 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Western African coast from Mauritania to Namibia.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occurs at depths from shore to 90 m (Refs. 435, 2708); common at depths of 4 to 40 m. Burrows in sand or fine gravel and also in bottoms with other sediments. (Ref. 435). Can live on all level substrates but may prefer sand (Ref. 2708). In general, Calappa feeds upon molluscs and hermit crabs in gastropod shells. Their right claw is used for crushing shells of prey while their left claw is used as a cutter (Ref. 105092).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

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