Carpilius convexus (Forsskål, 1775)
Marbled stone crab
Carpilius convexus
photo by Poppe, Guido and Philippe

Family:  Carpiliidae (reef crabs)
Max. size:  15 cm CW (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 95 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: from Japan, Hawaii and the Red Sea south to South Africa and Mozambique, west to Eastern Africa and east to French Polynesia and Easter Island.
Diagnosis:  Carapace ovate; dorsal surface very smooth and convex. Color: uniform red to reddish brown, with irregular dark brown patches on the dorsal surface of carapace (Ref. 343). Pincers are stout and unequal in size (Ref. 128968).
Biology:  Found under stones or cracks in coral reefs (Ref. 128968). Collected extensively for food in some areas (Ref. 343). May contain toxins that are undectectable in tests (Ref. 107779), and thus, may not be safe to eat (Ref. 128968). Found in the littoral to sublittoral zones (Ref. 77016). On rocky outcrops or coral reefs sheltering in crevices or under stones (Refs. 801, 9773). Reported to be mildly toxic (Ref. 103037). Benthic carnivore (Ref. 107079). Preys on tridacnids (Ref. 108392). Opportunistic scavenger. Feeds on plant material to benthic invertebrates (Ref. 9773).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  poisonous to eat
Country info:   
 

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