Caphyra rotundifrons
| Caphyra rotundifrons | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
| Infraorder: | Brachyura |
| Family: | Portunidae |
| Genus: | Caphyra |
| Species: | C. rotundifrons
|
| Binomial name | |
| Caphyra rotundifrons (A. Milne-Edwards, 1869)[1]
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Caphyra rotundifrons is a species of crab in the genus Caphyra.[1] It is notable for being strictly herbivorous, with a diet adapted to the algae Chlorodesmis fastigiata.[2]
Description
It is lime green in colour, similar to that of the algae it selectively shelters in and feeds on.[2][3]
Ecology
Caphyra rotundifrons has a diet specialized to the macroalgae Chlorodesmis fastigiata. Its use of this algae as a food source and habitat leads it to experience reduced predation, since the algae is toxic and shunned by both herbivorous and carnivorous fish.[2][4]
Taxonomy
The genus Caphyra is currently placed in the subfamily Thalamitinae of the family Portunidae.[1]
References
- ^ a b c WoRMS. "Caphyra rotundifrons (A. Milne-Edwards, 1869)". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
- ^ a b c Hay, Mark; Pawlik, Joseph; Duffy, J. Emmett; Fenical, William (1989-11-01). "Seaweed-herbivore-predator interactions: host-plant specialization reduces predation on small herbivores". Oecologia. 81 (3): 418–427. Bibcode:1989Oecol..81..418H. doi:10.1007/BF00377093. PMID 28311198.
- ^ "Caphyra rotundifrons | Philippa Jenkins". www.gbri.org.au. Retrieved 2025-09-17.
- ^ Wolcott, Donna L.; O'Connor, Nancy J. (June 1992). "Herbivory in Crabs: Adaptations and Ecological Considerations". American Zoologist. 32 (3): 377–378. doi:10.1093/icb/32.3.370. ISSN 0003-1569.