CONTENTS
Flora index
Fauna index
guide to the mangroves of singapore
Crustacea
Peter K L Ng and N Sivasothi (editors)
  Sentinel crabs
Macrophthalmus spp.
Family Ocypodidae


Sentinel crabs are found usually on very soft mud or substrates. They feed on detritus as well as small worms. Their burrow openings are always distinctive, being rectangular or ovate!
Latreille's sentinel crab (M. latreillei) is the largest species locally, measuring up to 5 cm, and is common in some areas.
close-up of golden yellow crab on mud
Macrophthalmus latreillei
The Little sentinel crab (M. crinitus) is a small species (1.5-2 cm) with distinctive pale blue claws, and is found in silty habitats.

<<Back to crustacea
close-up of purple-clawed crab on mud
Macrophthalmus crinitus
What is mangrove?
Introduction

The Ecosystem

Abiotic
Biotic

Value
Intro
Products
Indirect uses
Potential uses

About Mangroves
in Singapore

History
Mangroves to visit
Conservation
 
From "A Guide to Mangroves of Singapore", Peter K. L. Ng and N. Sivasothi (editors)
Volume 1: The Ecosystem and Plant Diversity and Volume 2: Animal Diversity
Authors: Kelvin K. P. Lim, Dennis H. Murphy, T. Morgany, N. Sivasothi, Peter K. L. Ng,
B. C. Soong, Hugh T. W. Tan, K. S. Tan & T. K. Tan
BP Guide to Nature Series published by the Singapore Science Centre, sponsored by British Petroleum
© 2001 Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, The National University of Singapore & The Singapore Science Centre