Cardisoma armatum

(Herklots, 1851)

Vernacular names
English : African rainbow crab
French : Crabe tricolore

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

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum carapace diameter of 20 cm. Top of carapace is bright blue, sides and outer parts of legs bright red to orange. Belly and inside parts of legs, and mouthparts, white to cream. Unmistakable.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the coastal areas of western Africa, from Senegal to Angola, including Cape Verde Islands. Found in mangroves, beaches, coastal swamps.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is very common within its range. It is often collected for the pet trade but this doesn’t seem to be a threat at present times.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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