Platypodiella spectabilis

Platypodiella spectabilis, known as the gaudy clown crab, or simply clown crab is a small species of crab in the family Xanthidae that is native to the Gulf of Mexico.

Platypodiella spectabilis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Subphylum:
Crustacea
Class:
Malacostraca
Order:
Decapoda
Infraorder:
Brachyura
Family:
Xanthidae
Genus:
Platypodiella
Species:
P. spectabilis
Binomial name
Platypodiella spectabilis
(Herbst, 1794)
Synonyms
  • Cancer lobata H. Milne Edwards, 1834
  • Cancer spectabilis Herbst, 1794

Description

P. spectabilis is relatively small, with a carapace of up to 3 cm in width. The shell is typically bright orange, with bilaterally symmetrical patches of cream with blue rims and dots. This brilliant appearance leads to the crab's common name.

Distribution and habitat

This species inhabits coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico, typically on or near zoanthids and sponges. They can be found from around 0.5 - 50m.

Human uses

Due to its small size, P. spectabilis is of no use to humans as a source of food. It is instead favoured in the pet trade as an aquarium pet, mostly for its brilliant appearance and easy husbandry.

References
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