Common Box Crab
Calappa lophos
- Group: Crab
- Typical depth: 10–100 m
- Max size: 10 cm
- For divers: safe
It pulls its broad flattened claws up over its face like a mask, which is how box crabs hide and defend themselves on sandy and muddy bottoms. The right claw is a built in nutcracker for crushing shells while the left works as a cutter, letting it prey on snails and hermit crabs down to about 100 metres.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Malacostraca › Decapoda › Calappidae › Calappa
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 209503.
FAQ
- How deep does the Common Box Crab live?
- The Common Box Crab (Calappa lophos) is typically found at 10–100 m.
- Is the Common Box Crab dangerous to divers?
- The Common Box Crab is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Common Box Crab get?
- The Common Box Crab grows to about 10 cm.