Atelecyclus rotundatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atelecyclus rotundatus |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Atelecyclus
|
| Species: |
rotundatus
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Atelecyclus rotundatus is a medium-sized crab. It is often called the circular crab or round crab. Some people even call it the old man's face crab! You can find this crab along the coasts of Europe and Africa. It also lives in almost all of the Mediterranean Sea. It is found near the Cape Verde and Canary Islands too.
Contents
Discovering the Circular Crab
What Does it Look Like?
This crab has a shell, called a carapace, that is almost round. It measures about 40 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) across. The shell is usually reddish-brown.
Around the front edge of its shell, there are 9 to 11 sharp teeth. Between its eyes, you can see 3 more teeth. These features help identify this unique crab.
Where Does This Crab Live?
The circular crab likes to live on the seafloor. It prefers areas with coarse, soft sand or mud. You can find it in shallow waters. It lives in many different coastal areas.
How to Spot the Circular Crab
Sometimes, people might confuse Atelecyclus rotundatus with another crab. This other crab is called Atelecyclus undecimdentatus. However, there are ways to tell them apart.
Atelecyclus undecimdentatus has a wider shell. Its shell also feels rougher. These small differences help scientists and crab watchers know which crab they are seeing.
See also
In Spanish: Atelecyclus rotundatus para niños
