Scientific Name: Hyastenus whitei Griffin, 1976
English Name: White’s Spider Crab
White's Spider Crab - - Hyastenus whitei - Type: Crab

Photo: Paul Ng (Crabdatabase)

Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Epialtidae
Description:
The carapace is typically pear or oval-shaped, with occasional minor elongation It typically has an uneven look because of the different spines, tubercles, or granules covering the surface, giving it a rough texture. The front of the carapace has a well-developed rostrum that extends forward. It typically has two spines or a protrusion that resembles a beak, which might be useful for warding off predators and influencing the surroundings. Spider crabs are known for their long, slender legs, which help them travel through complicated surroundings and across the seafloor. There could also be tiny hairs or spines all over the legs. The chelae are not for defense, but rather for eating and object manipulation. They are rather small concerning the body. Their texture is delicate, and they could feature tubercles or tiny spines. The eyes have a broad range of view because they are on long, flexible stalks that protrude from the carapace. The crab can now thoroughly examine its surroundings thanks to this. The long, sensitive antennas help in identifying environmental cues and locating 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