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Phylum Arthropoda > Subphylum Crustacea > Class Malacostraca > Order Decapoda > Brachyurans > Family Xanthidae
Mosaic reef crab
Lophozozymus pictor
Family Xanthidae
updated Feb 09
Where seen? This red decorative crab is sometimes seen on our some of our shores among coral rubble or near living reefs. At some times, several can be seen on one trip, and then none for several months.

Features: Body width 8-10cm. Body flat and somewhat fan-shaped. It is usually red to orange with strikingly patterns iof large white spots on its body. It has hairy legs with pointed tips and the claws are tipped in black.

Sentosa, Oct 04
It is the most poisonous crab of Singapore! There are several documented deaths caused by eating this crab. Cooking does not destroy the toxins.

Status and threats: This crab is listed as 'Endangered' on the Red List of threatened animals of Singapore.
Mosaic reef crabs on Singapore shores

Pulau Semakau, Nov 09

Sisters Island, Aug 07

Pulau Hantu, Jul 07

Sentosa, Jun 07

Eating a Long-spined black sea urchin.
Sisters Island, May 09
Photo shared by Janette Goh on her blog.

Eating a Common sea star.
Pulau Hantu, May 09
Photo shared by Janette Goh on her blog.

more photos of mosaic reef crabs on Singapore shores
Links
 References
  • Chou, L. M., 1998. A Guide to the Coral Reef Life of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 128 pages.
  • 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.
  • Davison, G.W. H. and P. K. L. Ng and Ho Hua Chew, 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened plants and animals of Singapore. Nature Society (Singapore). 285 pp.
  • Gopalakrishnakone P., 1990. A Colour Guide to Dangerous Animals. Venom & Toxin Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore. 156 pp.
  • Jones Diana S. and Gary J. Morgan, 2002. A Field Guide to Crustaceans of Australian Waters. Reed New Holland. 224 pp.
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