Latin Name: Charybdis feriatus
Common Names: Crab, Red Crab, Cross Crab
The Charybdis feriatus, commonly known as the Red Crab or Cross Crab, is a species of swimming crab belonging to the family Portunidae. It is widely distributed across various coastal regions, including China (specifically Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, and Taiwan), Japan, Australia, India, Tanzania, the East Coast of Africa, South Africa, and Madagascar. These crabs typically inhabit sandy-muddy reefs, reef coasts, and coral reefs at depths ranging from 10 to 70 meters. While they are occasionally seen along the autumn coastline, their population is not particularly large.
This species is easily identifiable by its unique physical characteristics. The carapace is smooth with no rough particles, and the stomach area features a distinct cross-shaped pattern. Due to this marking, it has been associated with the "cross" symbol in some Western cultures, which may contribute to its avoidance in certain regions. The body length can exceed 10 cm, with the head thoracic shield being about 1.6 times wider than it is long. The surface of the shield is smooth and unbroken.
The front of the carapace has six teeth, with the central four being similar in size, while the outer ones are narrower and more pointed. On the anterior edge, there are also six teeth, with the first one being blunt and the middle portion of the leading edge slightly concave. The end teeth are smaller but sharper and more prominent. The chelae (claws) are thick and symmetrical, with four spines on the back of the palm. The long nodes have three sharp spines along their inner edges.
In terms of coloration, the head and thorax display a reddish-brown hue with yellow stripes running across the front. A distinctive yellow cross pattern is visible on the middle part of the carapace. The claws feature red and yellow markings, while the tips of the two fingers are dark brown. This vibrant coloring helps the crab blend into its environment and may also serve as a warning signal to potential predators.
Female specimens typically have a head-thorax length of around 56.0 mm, with a claw width of approximately 75.0 mm. Overall, the Charybdis feriatus is a fascinating marine creature, both visually striking and ecologically significant in its habitat.
50cm high flood barrier, 50cm high flood boxwall, 50cm classic flood barrier
Denilco Environmental technology(Suzhou)Co., Ltd. , https://www.wflood.com