Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 5178602
Mangrove Tree Crab
Aratus pisoniiAlso known as Atlantic Mangrove Tree Crab, Tree Crab
Mangrove tree crabs are expert climbers that spend most of their lives above the high tide line on the roots, trunks, and canopy branches of red mangroves. Their sharp leg claws grip smooth bark with ease while dark brown, mottled carapaces keep them camouflaged from foraging wading birds. When alarmed, dozens of these swift crustaceans scatter upward into higher foliage or drop directly into the water to escape.
ArborealCrustaceanOmnivorous
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Red Mangrove Leaves
- Insects
- Organic Detritus
Predators
- Yellow-crowned Night Heron
- Raccoon
- Lined Sole
ThreatsMangrove deforestation, coastal development, marine pollution
HabitatsMangrove forests, coastal estuaries, tidal creeks
Life span2–4 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySesarmidae
- SpeciesAratus pisonii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Pinchers can deliver a mild nip if handled; observe quietly among mangrove roots.
Responsible observation
- Observation Timing: Look along red mangrove prop roots during low tide when crabs actively forage for food.
- Approach Gently: Walk quietly along boardwalks, as sudden shadows cause entire colonies to flee up into tree canopies.
Host Plant (c) James St. John, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator (c) Charles J. Sharp , some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Ecological Neighbor "Fiddler Crab at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge" by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/. · cc0
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