Batwing Coral Crab

Carpilius corallinus or Batwing Coral Crab is a species of crab.

The Batwing Coral Crab is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from the coast of Florida until Brazil including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is the largest crab of this geographic area, and is edible.

Description

One of the most beautiful crabs in the area. The carapace is smooth and heavy, with no teeth, except for a blunt one at the lower right- and left hand corner. The ground color is pale to brick red with scarlet spots and meandering lines of small white or yellow spots. The ends of the fingers and claws are darker. Size: the largest crab in the Caribbean, the carapace can be up to 15 cm in width.

Habitat

Occurs on coral reefs and rocky rubble in the shallow waters. Nocturnal. Depth: ranges from 1 m down to 15 m.

Mating

The male initiates mating by displaying an upsidedown position, waving its chelae and legs, to attract the female. Afterwards, the female crawles on top of the male. The male cradles the female with its legs. The couple then turns over, the male assumes the superior position and the female the lower, inverted position. The female has its telson opened, curved over that of the male and barely reaching the posterior margin of the male's carapace. Coupling lasts for 2 days, the male dies afterwards.