Species Identification Guide, complete with pics

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 11:12 am

Here is a guide to crab species identification of 4 of the most common crabs- C. Clypeatus, C. Compressus, C. Perlatus, and C. Rugosus. C. Clypeatus- Purple Pincher, PPColor- Most commonly tan or brown, but can be orange, purple, or close to blackBig Pincher- Most commonly purple. Lacks the distinct “stitch mark” of other species. Smooth to the touch.Rightmost leg- Most commonly red. Smoother than other legs.Legs- long, even, thin, and covered in dominantly visible black setae, bumps or dots where hair grows after moltEyes- small and rounded, usually dark brown, black, or redBody- long and sleek, thin and roundedTemperament, misc- known to swap shells more than any other species. Most common crab sold at pet stores.Typical PP Crabbie by therealmemeki, on FlickrPP Shawnash by therealmemeki, on FlickrLarge PP Alpha by therealmemeki, on FlickrC. Compressus- Ecuadorian, EColor- tan, grey, brown, orange, blue, yellow, always multicoloredBig Pincher- seems smaller and more “crude” than other species. Coarse bumps. Entire “arm” of pincher seems fatter than that of other species. Has stitch mark.Rightmost leg- very long, almost sickle shaped, smooth, only leg without leg tip colorLegs- thin and covered with stripes. Tips are different color than rest of legEyes- “compressed,” tall and thin, eye stalks shaped like candy corn. Eye color commonly black but red also seen.Body- large and flat. Distinct stripes on side of head.Temperament, misc- Hyperactive. Moves very quickly. Feels very light when lifted. Due to flat body, prefers shells with D-shaped openings.E Flash, and more painted shell garbage by therealmemeki, on FlickrE exoskeleton pieces Not for the squeemish by therealmemeki, on FlickrMicro E’s Micro crabs by therealmemeki, on FlickrE fresh after a molt Eddie by therealmemeki, on FlickrC. Perlatus- Strawberry crabs, strawsColor- all one color, most commonly red, can be dark red or white depending on health, once case of a brown straw recorded, white bumpsBig pincher- Covered in white bumps, very slight stitch mark, shape comparable to that of ERightmost leg- smoother than others, large and fatLegs- covered in white bumps, seem crude and pointy, thick, fat, all same colorEyes- shape similar to that of E, color of hematite (gunmetal grey) or olive greenBody- very large, covered in white bumpsTemperament, misc- Almost always sold in large size. Very fragile species requiring very intricate care. In most areas, they are no longer sold in stores.Strawberry crab Hematite eyes by therealmemeki, on FlickrYoung straw Geno by therealmemeki, on FlickrStraw BP in shell C. Perlatus pincher by therealmemeki, on FlickrC. Rugosus- RuggiesColor- green, grey, pink, purple, blackBig pincher- top hinge very small, texture like fine sandpaper, very dominant stitch mark. BP usually with stripe down middle.Rightmost leg- completely unique texture, almost like peach fuzz, looks smooth and chalky regardless of colorLegs- short, thin, almost completely flat, covered in hairs that resemble peach fuzz, tips different color than rest of legEyes- lima bean shaped, set far apart from one another, very commonly blackBody- very short and fat, small, has markings on head similar to head stripe of E’s but not as dominantTemperament, misc- Everything about the Ruggie is dwarflike. Very small and short in every way. Commonly mistaken with E’s but the difference in stature is clear when compared side by side. Swift and “skittish” movements. Appears to no longer be sold in stores.Ruggie BP in shell C. rugosus pincher by therealmemeki, on FlickrAnother example C. Rugosus pincher by therealmemeki, on FlickrBody view Plummer by therealmemeki, on FlickrUnique view- far apart eyes and BP stitchmark visable Stitch mark by therealmemeki, on Flickr

eyohkay · Post by **eyohkay** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 1:41 pm

Nice, C. And those are some great pictures! I definitely suspect this will end up in the archives. (:

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 12:53 pm

Note- I am looking for photos of C. Purpureus to add to my guide. If you own any blueberry crabs, you can help contribute to this guide and help others ID crabs by sending me photos of your crabs that YOU took (no random images off the internet please) and I will credit you for them. Please try to take them as clear as you can, and try to take various positions; ex- crab withdrawn into shell, out, good view of legs, pinchers, eyes, etc. In addition, if you own any other species not listed here, I will accept photos of those also! All photos will be credited to their takers, and are greatly apprieciated.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 1:52 pm

You should check out my flickr. I have some great pics of my larger E's and a few different colored PPs, Achmed being a good example of how light in color they can be.Edit:Here's a good one that shows Achmed, Keroppi(who's more red, a lot of people think these are straws) and Vinni who is darkish purple. With Kandy out of focus behind him.http://www.flickr.com/photos/s...t-72157621117910039/

ifluctuate · Post by **ifluctuate** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 7:48 am

oh great, I thought Sass was an E but now I'm not sure! what the heck? Thanks, this is a really good guide to go by!

Barbydoll · Post by **Barbydoll** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:34 am

Now I REALLY want a Ruggie! Such great pictures!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 9:45 am

ifluctuate, if you take a clear photo of Sass and message it to me I can ID him/her for you.

ifluctuate · Post by **ifluctuate** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 10:05 am

thanks! He's burried right now but I will when he comes up... there are a few pics of him in my photos though.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 3:10 pm

i guess i need to get to my photobucket for you as far as i know i am the only one with blueberrys!!! i have a few pics, not the best in the world but i have them!!! (papa Smurf) Qingmore photos of my brood...http://www.facebook.com/album....041165&id=1264673631

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 10:43 pm

I have a couple of Indo's..I will try to get you a pic..

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 4:19 pm

Wow, thanks guys!! I thought someone on here had a blue, but I didn't know anyone on here had indos! Wonderful, this will be great for my research and will help other crab owners too.CrabbieDonna, all photos are apprieciated, you've got some great ones on there, but if you could, could you take a photo of the indo's BP when he's withdrawn in his shell? cjs could you do the same for your blues? Also, could you guys give us a little insight on the behavior that you observe in these crabs? What shells do they prefer, do they do a lot of climbing, do they move very fast, how often do they change shells, etc. Any and all info helps a great deal.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 8:09 pm

Will Do... Down at the moment but should be back up soon...