Marine Biology (2+1)

Ocypode platytarsus

Species: Uca (LACTEA) annulipes

Family : Ocypodidae

Com. Name : Fiddler crab/ Dhobi crab

Habitat : Mangrove and estuarine intertidal

Description: Four sides of the carapace are not equal. Lateral borders being moderately narrowed posteriorly. Carapace black or brownish black, at times strong transverse white markings, either continuous or interrupted, crossing the entire width of the carapace. An enlarged tooth near the end of the immobile finger of the large chelipede of the male gives the tip of their fingers a blunt fork appearance.

Outer surface of the palm of major chelipede of male is smooth and not granulated. Large chela of the male with tuberculate crest on lower part of inner surface of propodus. The large chela polished white to pale pink to dark red. Invariably the pink to red colour is seen on the inner side of chelae.

 Size : 14 mm