Callinectes exasperatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Callinectes exasperatus |
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| Callinectes exasperatus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
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| Class: |
Malacostraca
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| Order: |
Decapoda
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| Family: |
Portunidae
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| Species: |
C. exasperatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Callinectes exasperatus (Gerstaecker, 1856)
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The Callinectes exasperatus, also known as the rugose swimming crab, is a special type of crab that lives in the ocean. You can find these crabs in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean. They are known for their unique way of eating and how they move through the water.
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Meet the Rugose Swimming Crab!
This interesting crab is a member of the Callinectes family. The word "rugose" means rough or wrinkled, which describes the texture of its shell. It's also called a "swimming crab" because of its special back legs, which are shaped like paddles.
What is a Crab?
Crabs are amazing creatures that belong to a group called crustaceans. Crustaceans are arthropods, which means they have an outer shell, called an exoskeleton, and jointed legs. Other crustaceans you might know include lobsters and shrimp. Crabs have ten legs, and their front two legs often have claws.
Where Does This Crab Live?
The rugose swimming crab makes its home in the western Atlantic Ocean. This huge ocean stretches from the coasts of North and South America all the way to Europe and Africa. These crabs prefer warmer waters, often found near the coasts of places like the Dominican Republic. They live on the ocean floor, where they can find food and shelter.
What Does the Rugose Swimming Crab Eat?
Unlike some crabs that hunt for live prey, the rugose swimming crab mainly eats carrion. Carrion is the scientific word for the dead bodies of other animals. This might sound a bit strange, but it's actually very important for the ocean's health! By eating dead animals, these crabs help to clean up the seabed and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. They are like the clean-up crew of the ocean floor.
Why is it Called a Swimming Crab?
Many crabs walk sideways on the ocean floor, but swimming crabs are different. Their last pair of legs, at the back, are flattened and shaped like paddles. This special design allows them to swim through the water, not just crawl. This ability helps them move faster, escape from predators, and find food more easily.
What Does it Look Like?
The rugose swimming crab has a strong, hard shell that protects its body. As its name suggests, the shell can feel a bit rough or bumpy. Like all crabs, it has two eyes on stalks that can move around, helping it see its surroundings. Its claws are used for grabbing food and for defense. The color of these crabs can vary, often blending in with their environment on the ocean floor.
Is This Crab Fished?
The rugose swimming crab is not a species that is caught for commercial fishing. This means that people do not usually catch and sell these crabs for food. This is good news for the crab population, as it means they are not under pressure from human fishing activities.
