Grapsus albolineatus is a species of decapod crustacean in the family Grapsidae, native to the Indo-Pacific.[1]

Grapsus albolineatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Grapsidae
Genus: Grapsus
Species:
G. albolineatus
Binomial name
Grapsus albolineatus
Synonyms

Description

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Its carapace, or upper shell, is flat, circular, and rough with arched lateral margins, and may be up to 37 mm in length. Its chelae, or claws, are short, small, and flattened. Its pereiopods, or legs, are long with a tapered end. The margin of the inferior extremity of its last pair of legs is serrate. Males have bigger claws than females. This species is red, blue, or green in color. Its legs are the same color and have irregular dark-brown mottling.

Habitat and distribution

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This species occurs in rocky depths and in coral reefs. It is found in the Indo-Pacific from the East African coast to the Chilean coast.[2][3] This includes the waters of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Japan, Australia, and the tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean (such as Hawaii).[4]

Diet

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The species consumes a mostly herbivorous diet but also takes small crustaceans and fish.[5]

Reproduction

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Like in most other true crabs, light and temperature are the main environmental factors that determine reproductive activity. The female releases her fertilized eggs in its abdomen. This species has a long planktonic larval phase. As the larva matures, it undergoes a series of molts that allow it to grow and reach maturity.

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References

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  1. ^ "Catalogue of Life : Grapsus albolineatus Latreille, in Milbert, 1812". www.catalogueoflife.org. Retrieved 2018-08-02.
  2. ^ "Marine Species Identification Portal : Grapsus albolineatus".
  3. ^ "Sally Lightfoot Crab - Grapsus albolineatus - Maps - Encyclopedia of Life". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2018-08-02.
  4. ^ "Marine Species Identification Portal : Grapsus albolineatus".
  5. ^ Kennish, R; Williams, GA (1997). "Feeding preferences of the herbivorous crab Grapsus albolineatus:the differential influence of algal nutrient content and morphology". Marine Ecology Progress Series. 147: 87–95. Bibcode:1997MEPS..147...87K. doi:10.3354/meps147087. ISSN 0171-8630.

  Data related to Grapsus albolineatus at Wikispecies