Mangrove Horseshoe Crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda)
Mangrove Horseshoe Crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda)
The immediate relatives of the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) are not crabs, but spiders and scorpions. Besides, studies suggest they are more of Arachnids, yet are still classified under the family Limulidae retaining their primitive and prehistoric looks. Other communities call it the Round-tailed Horseshoe Crab and unlike most crabs, it holds on one partner for life. These benthic feeders are the smallest species of the Horseshoe Crab, possessing a tail for uprighting itself or locomotion and not for self-defense as was once thought. Look for it in marine and brackish water of Southeast Asia, where they are caught for their roe.
The Mangrove Horseshoe Crab has an overall length between 11.8”-15.75” (30-40 cm) and weight of 2.2-10 lb (1-4.5 kg). Mangrove Horseshoe Crabs have a body length of 5.5”-7.5” (14-19 cm), body width of 5.1”-7.1” (13-18 cm), and body height of 1.8”-2.4” (4.5-6 cm). The typical lifespan of the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab is between 12-20 years.
The immediate relatives of the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) are not crabs, but spiders and scorpions. Besides, studies suggest they are more of Arachnids, yet are still classified under the family Limulidae retaining their primitive and prehistoric looks. Other communities call it the Round-tailed Horseshoe Crab and unlike most crabs, it holds on one partner for life. These benthic feeders are the smallest species of the Horseshoe Crab, possessing a tail for uprighting itself or locomotion and not for self-defense as was once thought. Look for it in marine and brackish water of Southeast Asia, where they are caught for their roe.
The Mangrove Horseshoe Crab has an overall length between 11.8”-15.75” (30-40 cm) and weight of 2.2-10 lb (1-4.5 kg). Mangrove Horseshoe Crabs have a body length of 5.5”-7.5” (14-19 cm), body width of 5.1”-7.1” (13-18 cm), and body height of 1.8”-2.4” (4.5-6 cm). The typical lifespan of the Mangrove Horseshoe Crab is between 12-20 years.