description Porcelain Crab Overview
Porcelain crabs are small marine decapod crustaceans in the family Porcellanidae. Despite their common name, they are anomurans and are more closely related to squat lobsters and hermit crabs than to true crabs. Many species live in reef crevices or among rocks, where their flattened bodies help them occupy narrow spaces. Several use feathery mouthparts to filter particles from the water, and they can shed an appendage by autotomy when seized by a predator.
help Porcelain Crab FAQ
Are porcelain crabs true crabs?
No, porcelain crabs are anomurans in the family Porcellanidae. They are more closely related to squat lobsters and hermit crabs than to true crabs.
Where do porcelain crabs live?
Many species live in reef crevices, among rocks, or in other sheltered marine habitats. Their flattened bodies help them fit into narrow spaces.
Why are porcelain crabs called crabs if they are anomurans?
Their compact body shape and crab-like appearance produced the common name porcelain crab. In evolutionary terms, however, their ancestry places them with anomurans rather than true crabs.
How do porcelain crabs protect themselves?
They often rely on hiding in reef crevices or among rocks, where their flattened bodies are useful. Depending on the species, camouflage and defensive claws also help them avoid predators.
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