Puerto Rican sand crab

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Puerto Rican sand crab
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Anomura
Family: Hippidae
Genus: Emerita
Species:
E. portoricensis
Binomial name
Emerita portoricensis
Schmitt, 1935

The Puerto Rican sand crab, Emerita portoricensis, is a species of "sand crab" belonging to the genus

beaches off the coast of Venezuela.[2] The most detailed study conducted on the species was done by Miguel P. Sastre between 1988 and 1992.[1] This investigation determined that the species has diotic traits and that there are size and survival differences between sexes. Both sexes reach sexual maturity three months after birth.[3]

Description

On average, the carapace length of males is 11mm and 19mm in females. [3]

Ecology

Puerto Rican sand crabs, along with

filter feeders, they use their antennae to catch detritus and plankton
caught in the waves. [2]

This species is also a good bioindicator for mercury levels in the water. In one study, mercury levels in E. portoricensis tended to be higher when compared to the sediment samples around it.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Cedar I. García Ríos & Alberto Cortés (2001). "Las Playas de arena de Puerto Rico" (in Spanish). Universidad de Puerto Rico en Humacao. Archived from the original on May 9, 2007. Retrieved May 14, 2007.
  2. ^
    S2CID 35749417
    .
  3. ^ a b Miguel P. Sastre & Paul M. Yoshioka (1992). "Sex-specific life history pattern of Emerita portoricensis (Schmitt)". Bulletin of Marine Science. 50 (3): 456–463.
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