Scientific Name: Petrolisthes politus (Gray, 1831)
English Name: Redback Porcelain Crab
Redback Porcelain Crab - - Petrolisthes politus - Type: Crab

Photo: Crusta

Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Porcellanidae
Description:
The carapace is typically large, flattened, and has a texture that might be somewhat grainy or smooth. Compared to many other crabs, it is smaller concerning the legs and usually oval or rounded. The typical color pattern helps it blend in with its surroundings. Shades of white, cream, or light brown are examples of this, frequently with darker specks or mottling. With their long thin legs, they are well-suited for reaching into cracks and feeding on food. Compared to the legs of more robust crab species, they are usually more delicate and coated with fine hairs or tiny spines. The chelae are rather small and narrow, and they frequently have a unique form that enables them to feed and manipulate objects precisely. The size of the claws can vary significantly but they are typically symmetrical. Usually tiny and barely noticeable, the rostrum protrudes very little from the front of the carapace. With a wide field of vision, the eyes are situated on short, stalk-like projections that protrude from the. The short, sensitive antennae help with food detection and environmental sensing. Although the surface of the legs and carapace may be somewhat rough or smooth, they do not exhibit the noticeable tubercles or spines found on certain other crab species.
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