A freshwater crab that stays mostly submerged
Geothelphusa obtusipes
Decapoda / Family: Potamidae
- Total length
- approx. 20 mm
- Range
- Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima
It dwells beneath stones or in burrows dug at the bottom of streams. Rarely venturing onto land, this freshwater crab is one of the most elusive on the island. Yet in the diorama, it can be observed in the water.
This small crab has bumps and ridges on its back, except in the central area. Its pincers have small, short spines scattered along the upper sections of the arms and claws.
It is omnivorous and lives in mountain streams and the upper reaches of rivers.
Habitat of This Animal:
A:Forest along the valley - A2:Forest along the mountain streams
In Tokunoshima Island, abundant rainwater carved the ground, forming many rows of ridges and valleys. Plants adapting to the flowing and drying up of water grow in the harsh environment, where water swells and depletes every time rain falls. The waterfront is also a habitat for many creatures, including endemic species, with frogs and dragonflies breeding.
This A2:Forest along the mountain streams