Johnny Braun, Luxemburg
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Ranina ranina (Linnaeus, 1758)
Ranina ranina, also known as the frog crab or red frog crab, is found in tropical and subtropical waters. The crab is the only surviving species of its genus.
This unusual-looking crab grows up to 15 cm in size and weighs up to 900 grams. Its carapace is wider at the front than at the rear, reddish-brown in color, with ten white spots.
The German name “Rote Froschkrabbe” (red frog crab) also refers to its reddish-brown color. The crab is predominantly nocturnal and remains buried in the sand during the day.
Ranina ranina is easy to distinguish from other crabs in its habitat.
The red frog crab feeds on small, bottom-dwelling fish. It lies in wait for its prey almost completely buried in the sand and then snaps at it.
Only its eyes and part of its mouth are visible.
The frog crab is fished commercially in large quantities and is used for human consumption. It is said to taste very good.
The largest catches are known to come from Australia, with over 3,500 tons annually. But they are also caught and eaten in large quantities in Asia.
According to Wikipedia, however, stocks are still stable. Attempts to breed the red frog crab commercially have so far failed, as relatively little is known about the life of these animals.
Synonyms:
Albunea scabra Weber, 1795 (nomen nudum)
Cancer ranina Linnaeus, 1758
Ranina cristata Desjardins, 1835
Ranina dentata Latreille, 1825
Ranina scabra Fabricius (junior synonym)
Ranina serrata Lamarck, 1801
Ranina ranina, also known as the frog crab or red frog crab, is found in tropical and subtropical waters. The crab is the only surviving species of its genus.
This unusual-looking crab grows up to 15 cm in size and weighs up to 900 grams. Its carapace is wider at the front than at the rear, reddish-brown in color, with ten white spots.
The German name “Rote Froschkrabbe” (red frog crab) also refers to its reddish-brown color. The crab is predominantly nocturnal and remains buried in the sand during the day.
Ranina ranina is easy to distinguish from other crabs in its habitat.
The red frog crab feeds on small, bottom-dwelling fish. It lies in wait for its prey almost completely buried in the sand and then snaps at it.
Only its eyes and part of its mouth are visible.
The frog crab is fished commercially in large quantities and is used for human consumption. It is said to taste very good.
The largest catches are known to come from Australia, with over 3,500 tons annually. But they are also caught and eaten in large quantities in Asia.
According to Wikipedia, however, stocks are still stable. Attempts to breed the red frog crab commercially have so far failed, as relatively little is known about the life of these animals.
Synonyms:
Albunea scabra Weber, 1795 (nomen nudum)
Cancer ranina Linnaeus, 1758
Ranina cristata Desjardins, 1835
Ranina dentata Latreille, 1825
Ranina scabra Fabricius (junior synonym)
Ranina serrata Lamarck, 1801
