Ocypode ryderi, also known as the pink ghost crab,[1][2] is a species of ghost crab found on the east coast of Africa from the Eastern Cape Region to Kenya.[3]
| Ocypode ryderi | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
| Infraorder: | Brachyura |
| Family: | Ocypodidae |
| Genus: | Ocypode |
| Species: | O. ryderi
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| Binomial name | |
| Ocypode ryderi Kingsley, 1880
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Identification
editThe body exhibits a pale pink hue with noticeable mauve/purple joints on the legs; characterized by a square carapace and long, sturdy legs. The eyes are on long stalks but lack the extended horns found in Ocypode ceratophthalma and some other Ocypode species. The larger of the two nippers has a granular stridulating organ on the palm which consists of a single row of granules. Adults are on average 35 millimetres (1.4 in) in length.[2]
Biology
editAbundant on tropical beaches that are exposed to the sea. They burrow deeply by day and emerge at night to feed on deposited carrion and small animals.[2]
Related species
editOcypode madagascariensis is almost identical but it is sandy coloured and its legs do not have mauve joints.[2]
References
edit- ^ Lynne Matthews (2007). The Coastal Guide of South Africa. Johannesburg, South Africa: Jacana Media. p. 72. ISBN 978-1-77009-248-8.
- ^ a b c d G. M. Branch; M. L. Branch; C. L. Griffiths; L. E. Buckley (2007). Two Oceans: a Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers. ISBN 1-77007-633-6.
- ^ L. F. Jackson, M. J. Smale and P. F. Berry (1991). "Ghost crabs of the genus Ocypode (Decapoda, Brachyura, Ocypodidae) of the east coast of South Africa". Crustaceana. 61 (3): 280–286. doi:10.1163/156854091X00164. JSTOR 20104707.