Clown Crab
Carpilius maculatus
- Group: Crab
- Typical depth: 0–35 m
- Max size: 18 cm
- For divers: safe
Smooth and round backed with bold red blotches, the clown crab prowls reefs and subtidal rubble by night down to about 35 metres. It crushes other crustaceans and snails with powerful claws, and while it is widely collected for food it carries enough toxin to be risky to eat.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Malacostraca › Decapoda › Carpiliidae › Carpilius
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 209151.
FAQ
- How deep does the Clown Crab live?
- The Clown Crab (Carpilius maculatus) is typically found at 0–35 m.
- Is the Clown Crab dangerous to divers?
- The Clown Crab is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Clown Crab get?
- The Clown Crab grows to about 18 cm.