Ranina ranina

Ranina ranina

Ranina ranina, commonly known as the Red frog crab or Spanner crab, is a species of crab that inhabits the coastal waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. It is the only extant species in the genus Ranina.

Description

Ranina ranina is a large crab, with a carapace length of up to 150 millimeters. It is easily recognizable by its bright red color and the elongated, narrow shape of its carapace. The crab's chelae (claws) are long and slender, resembling the shape of a spanner, which gives the species its common name.

Distribution and habitat

The Red frog crab is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the east coast of Africa to Hawaii, and from Japan to Australia. It inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms, usually at depths of 10 to 70 meters, although it has been found at depths of up to 150 meters.

Behavior and ecology

Ranina ranina is a nocturnal species that spends the day buried in the sand or mud with only its eyes and part of its carapace exposed. At night, it comes out to feed, mainly on small benthic organisms. The species is also known to be a scavenger.

Human interaction

The Red frog crab is commercially fished in several countries, including Japan, Australia, and Taiwan. It is considered a delicacy in many Asian cuisines.

Conservation

While Ranina ranina is not currently considered threatened, it is subject to overfishing in some areas. Measures such as size limits and closed seasons have been implemented in some countries to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.

See also

• Crustacean
• Commercial fishing