Varuna litterata (Fabricius, 1798)
Peregrine crab
Varuna litterata
photo by Modi, Shuanak

Family:  Grapsidae (shore, marsh, and talon crabs)
Max. size:  5.39 cm CW (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 757 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Carapace squarish, surface smooth; front straight; anterolateral margins each with 3 very broad, low nut sharp teeth. Dactylus, propodus, and carpus of legs literally flattened, fringed with long, closely packed setae. Color: light brown to brownish grey on dorsal surfaces.
Biology:  Also collected by using fish corrals. Inhabits fresh and brackish waters (Ref. 77016). Generally estuarine; prefers areas faced by more oceanic waters. They prefer slow-moving or almost stagnant bodies of water. Species can be found up to 20 km from the sea in completely fresh water. Large or ovigerous specimens can be found in intertidal areas, frequently associated with floating clumps of brown algae, Sargassum spp. (Ref. 343).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

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