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Crustaceans of Zihuatanejo

SUBPHYLUM CRUSTACEA


-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Crustaceans (Subphylum Crustacea)

-Typical Crustaceans (Superclass Multicrustacea)

-Malacostracans (Class Malacostraca)

-Decapods, Isopods, and Allies (Subclass Eumalacostraca)

-Decapods and Krill (Superorder Eucarida)

-Decapods (Order Decapoda)

-Crabs, Lobsters, Shrimps, and Allies (Suborder Pleocyemata)

-True Crabs (Infraorder Brachyura)​

-Eubrachyuran Crabs (Zoosection Eubrachyura)

-Heterotrematan Crabs (Zoosubsection Heterotremata)

-Spider Crabs and Decorator Crabs (Superfamily Majoidea)

-Family Mithracidae

-Genus Teleophrys

-Teleophrys ruber


Teleophrys ruber is a species of crab belonging to the family Mithracidae, commonly known as decorator crabs. These crabs are notable for their ability to attach algae, sponges, and other materials to their bodies for camouflage. It uses its setae (hair-like structures) to attach materials for camouflage. Like many decorator crabs, it may be more active at night, scavenging for food.

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Teleophrys ruber

Diet

  • Omnivorous, feeding on algae, detritus, sponges, bryozoans, hydroids, small molluscs, worms, and other marine invertebrates.

  • Also scavenges dead animals and organic debris found on the seabed.

  • Slowly searches rocky surfaces and coral rubble, using its slender claws to pick food from crevices and encrusted substrates.

Range

  • Native to the tropical eastern Pacific, occurring from the Gulf of California and the Pacific coast of Mexico south through Central America to Colombia and Ecuador.

  • Found along the Pacific coast of Mexico, including the Guerrero coast and the Zihuatanejo region, where it inhabits rocky reefs and shallow coastal waters.

Habitat

  • Inhabits rocky reefs, coral communities, boulder fields, tide pools, and coral rubble from the lower intertidal zone to depths of approximately 50 m (165 ft).

  • Usually hides beneath rocks, in crevices, or among sponges and algae during the day, emerging to forage when conditions are favourable.

  • Its spiny body provides excellent camouflage among encrusting organisms.

Size

  • Carapace width: 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in)

  • Leg span: Up to 12 cm (4.7 in)

  • Weight: Typically 15–50 g

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