Hepatus epheliticus

(Linnaeus, 1763)

Vernacular names
English : Dolly Varden crab
French : Crabe Floride

Classification
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Aethridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a shell length of 7.6 cm. Powerful and thick claws. Carapace slightly flattened. Coloration usually white with large reddish-brown blotches with darker edges. Some individuals only retain darker edges as ocellae.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the western Atlantic Ocean, from north USA to Gulf of Mexico, south to Jamaica and Dominican Republic. Mostly found in sandy and muddy substrates, near shores, down to 46 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species’ status hasn’t been assessed yet but it seems to be common within its range. No known threats currently faced by this species.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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