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'Alamihi crab

Metopograpsus messor

Photo by mauna Kunzah
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The species exhibits sexual dimorphism. Males, as pictured, tend to have more purple and/or red coloration.

Habitat:

Rocky tide pool in the Pacific ocean.

Notes:

This appears to be underwater mating behavior. During this behavior, the purple crab repeatedly flexed its claws and picked at the other's shell. Note the algae growing on either individual.

Species ID Suggestions

'Alamihi crab

Metopograpsus messor

Reference Link
fishpicshi
2

Comments (9)
mauna Kunzah
Wow, thank you for all of the info, fishpicshi.
fishpicshi
Mating behavior, males tend to have more purple on the claws. Purple color is especially bright on a similar species, M. thukuhar: http://www.marinelifephotography.com/marine/arthropods/crabs/metopograpsus-thukuhar.htm
Burnuhwill
Yes, that's interesting. They could be different species. Whether they are or not, it's still an interesting spotting. I'd like to see if you find out anything new about them.
mauna Kunzah
I'm wondering if these crabs are both the same species.
mauna Kunzah
Interesting, right? Thanks for your insight, Burnuhwill.
Burnuhwill
It's difficult to see, but I believe the one with the exposed underside looks like a female. The position their in doesn't seem like typical crab coitus though, so I'm not really positive of what is going on here.
Photographed
PublishedMarch 4, 2013

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