wildsingapore homepage
wildsingapore homepage
sitemap to the online guide
search | glossary


seagrass lagoon index
  Online Guide to Chek Jawa
seagrass lagoon
 
Elbow crab
Family Parthenopidae
click for enlarged image
Elbow crab
Rhinolambrus pelagicus
Elbow crabs are common and widespread but rarely seen because they are slow and well camouflaged. The inner surface of their pincers have a row of dark coloured spots that are probably used to startle predators.

Elbow food: The crab ambushes passing prey that comes within striking distance of its long pincers. It eats worms and small snails and clams. 		 
click for enlarged image
Another elbow crab
quick facts
Body width 1-2cm, common in the seagrass lagoon

Classification:
Order Decapoda
Class Malacostraca
Subphylum Crustacea
 
Other references
  • Lim, S., P. Ng, L. Tan, & W. Y. Chin, 1994. Rhythm of the Sea: The Life and Times of Labrador Beach. Division of Biology, School of Science, Nanyang Technological University & Department of Zoology, the National University of Singapore. 160 pp.
  • Tan, Leo W. H. & Ng, Peter K. L., 1988, A Guide to Seashore Life. The Singapore Science Centre, Singapore. 160 pp. online version
 

a companion website to the chek jawa guidebook
website©ria tan 2003 www.wildsingapore.com