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Crustaceans of Zihuatanejo

SUBPHYLUM CRUSTACEA

Mouthless Crab

Cardisoma crassum

The Mouthless Crab (Cardisoma crassum) is a terrestrial crab living near wet areas such as the margins of mangroves, transitional forests, river banks, and beaches but spawns in estuaries and the ocean. It is native to the tropical Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru. It has a purplish-blue shell, red legs and white main pincer. It diest consists of Mangrove leaves, other plants, and dead animals. It is preyed upon by a variety of birds, reptiles and mammals.

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