Urchin crab
Scientific name : Dorippe frascone
Symilar to a decorator crab, with rounded carapace and long legs, uses to carry on its back a mobile animal,m usually a sea urchin, held in position with the 3rd and 4th pairs of legs. Drop shaped eyes on long pedoncles. Beige-pink colour. Carapace lenght 5 cm. Very symilar to Ethusa sp., practically distinguished by the guest on its back.
Associated organisms
Uses to hold on its back a sea urchin of the species Astropyga radiata, Diadema savignyi, Diadema setosum. To carry it uses the two last pairs of legs, therefore using two pairs to walk.
The meaning of this association is not yet completely clear. The advantages of the crab are obvious, having a fantastic deterrent against most predators. The advantage for the urchin could be a greater speed when moving. As a matter of fact, very mobile and strong urchin allow the crab to carry them, passively, whereas they could easily make resistance.
Habitat:
Coastal bay, Lagoon, Sand
Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific
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