Stalk-eyed mud crab
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| Macrophthalmus hirtipes (Heller, 1862) |
The stalk-eyed mud crab, Macrophthalmus hirtipes, is a marine large-eyed crab of the family Macrophthalmidae, endemic to the sea coasts of New Zealand including Campbell Island. It grows to around 40 mm shell width.
The species name comes from Latin (hirtus = hairy/rude/shaggy; pes = feet). The common name reflects its long stalked eyes, with which it can observe its surroundings while hidden under the sand.
The stalk-eyed mud crab is colourful. Its wide carapace is a deep green with scattered, dense brown spots, its legs are yellow-green, and the nippers are red above. It makes extensive burrows underneath the sand or eelgrass, and is mainly active at night. It obtains its food from detritus in the mud, not tolerating brackish or fresh water.
Its predators include cod, eel, eagle ray, snapper and sea birds, including herons and kingfishers.
Females mature at 10 to 13 mm width and can produce 2 or 3 batches of eggs during a season, which extends from May to February. Eggs are small (0.25 mm) and a large female can carry up to 20,000 eggs under her abdomen.
