Searching help...

Force Eleven · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 06:18 PM

I found and photographed 2 different species of crab whilst on holiday in Marbella, Spain. The only problem is that I can't find a decent website to help me identify them. Is there a website anyone knows that could help me ID these mediterranean crabs?

tameblackbirds · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 07:43 PM

could you post photos on furum? I am sure someone on here will know what you have photographed.

Force Eleven · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 10:05 AM

Ok then, but don't say I didn't warn you!

This one below was larger than the first crab (above). It had a crapace width of 4cm...

Lance Morgan · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 10:55 AM

Looks like the first is a shore crab and the second a velvet swimming crab.

Force Eleven · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 11:33 AM

Sorry Lance, but they are not those species.

The first has a very square shaped body, and four rather odd 'square teeth' between the eyes. The second is very bristly (I'm thinking a type of bristly crab) and has striking colouration on the inside of the chelipeds.

These were found in Southern Europe, so there is an excellent chance that they are not familiar with users on here (like me for example - I have no idea what they are) and not pictured on sites such as marlin.

I've tried to look for sites on the interweb that can help with ID'ing other european crab species, but I've had no luck so far.

RobinP · #6 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 04:31 PM

I know very little about crabs (or anything else as it happens

) but your first could be the European green crab carcinus maenas.

This site may be able to help further: WetWebMedia-Marine Aquarium Articles and FAQ's

GuyF · #7 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 04:59 PM

1st looks like a Marbled Crab - Pachygrapsus marmoratus, the second is very familiar, I see it quite often when snorkelling on holidays in the Mediterranean, however I've never been sure what they are. It looks quite like Eriphia spinifrons.
Guy

tameblackbirds · #8 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 05:45 PM

Sorry i'm no use but the second crab what a fantastic beast amazing colour looks like the next 'Alien' monster. Thanks for sharing pics though

Force Eleven · #9 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyF

1st looks like a Marbled Crab - Pachygrapsus marmoratus, the second is very familiar, I see it quite often when snorkelling on holidays in the Mediterranean, however I've never been sure what they are. It looks quite like Eriphia spinifrons.
Guy

Thanks for your help Guy, I thought the same about the 1st crab, although not right down to the species level. Thanks for shedding a bit of light on the second one though, much appreciated

And sorry to the mods for putting this thread in the wrong place!