Ocypode cursor (Linnaeus, 1758) Tufted ghost crab |
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photo by
Tiralongo, Francesco |
Family: | Ocypodidae (fiddler and ghost crabs) | |||
Max. size: | 4.6 cm CL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 1 m | |||
Distribution: | Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean: from Mauritania to Namibia and eastern Mediterranean. Tropical to subtropical. | |||
Diagnosis: | ||||
Biology: | Maximum carapace width: 5.5 cm. Depth range is based on ecology (Ref. 435); to be replaced with a better reference. Semi-terrestrial (Ref. 105066). Considered an estuarine crab (Ref. 121901). Inhabits intertidal sandy beaches (Ref. 121900), making burrows above high water line. Occurs at the high tide mark (Ref. 435). Nocturnal Feeds on animal carcasses, picnic remains and vegetable matter. Also a predator of sea turtle eggs and hatchlings (Ref. 105066). Reported to mainly feed on ants and supplement its diet with crustaceans and drifting macroalgae (Ref. 105068). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251) | |||
Threat to humans: | ||||
Country info: |
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