Lophozozymus pictor
| Mosaic reef crab | |
|---|---|
| |
| A Lophozozymus pictor crab eating a clam | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia
|
| Phylum: | Arthropoda
|
| Subphylum: | Crustacea
|
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Infraorder: | Brachyura
|
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | L. pictor
|
Lophozozymus pictor, the mosaic reef crab is a species of crab in the family Xanthidae.
Description and etymology[]
The word "pictor" in Latin means painter.
Its appearance is a body of 8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 in), somewhat fan-shaped and usually red to orange with strikingly mosaic-like patterns of large white spots. Its pincers are short, both about equal size, with black tips. It has walking legs that are hairy with pointed tips.[1]
Distribution and ecology[]
Lophozozymus pictor is found in China, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and lastly, French Polynesia. (native)[2]
In the Philippines, this is known as Calintugas. They live along the coral areas of Batangas, Mindoro, Sorsogon, Negros Oriental, and Samar.[3]
Toxicity[]
This is known to be one of the most poisonous crabs in the world. Its neurotoxin does not get denatured by heat even when cooked.[4]
References[]
- ^ "Mosaic reef crab (Lophozozymus pictor)". www.wildsingapore.com. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
- ^ "Country List - Lophozozymus pictor". www.sealifebase.ca. Retrieved 2021-03-02.
- ^ Rontas, Darlene Yap. "Not all crabs are safe to eat". www.bar.gov.ph. Retrieved 2021-03-02.
- ^ "Lophozozymus pictor, mosaic reef crab". www.sealifebase.ca. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
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