Scientific Name: Doclea canalifera Stimpson, 1857
English Name: True Crab
True Crab - - Doclea canalifera - Type: Crab

Photo: Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang (GBIF)

Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Epialtidae
Description:
The carapace is typically large, somewhat flattened, and texture-wise smooth to somewhat regular Its distinctive look could be attributed to ridges or grooves. The crab’s cryptic coloring, which comes in various colors of brown, gray, or green, aids in its ability to blend in with its surroundings. Typically well-developed, the rostrum extends forward from the front of the carapace. It could have extensions that resemble beaks or spines, which would strengthen the crab’s defenses. Spider crabs are distinguished by their long, thin legs. Compared to the body, the chelae are slim and tiny, and their main functions are manipulation and eating, not defense. There is a broad range of view because the eyes are situated on short, flexible stalks that protrude outward from the carapace. Long and sensitive antennae and in the crab’s ability to sense its surroundings and find food.
Habitat & Distribution in Bangladesh:
St. Martin Island
Environment:
Marine
References:

Islam, M.T., & Bhuyan, M.S. (2025). Marine crabs of Bangladesh: An Illustrative Guide (1st ed.). Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) ISBN : 978-984-35-8048-1

DNA Barcodes from Bangladesh
GenBank Accession Number:
Other DNA Barcodes & Nucleutide Sequences
IUCN conservation status:
Other Information