Caphyra rotundifrons

Caphyra rotundifrons is a species of crab in the genus Caphyra.^[1] It is notable for being strictly herbivorous, with a diet adapted to the algae Chlorodesmis fastigiata.^[2]

Caphyra rotundifrons
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Malacostraca
Order:	Decapoda
Suborder:	Pleocyemata
Infraorder:	Brachyura
Family:	Portunidae
Genus:	Caphyra
Species:	C. rotundifrons
Binomial name
Caphyra rotundifrons (A. Milne-Edwards, 1869)[1]
Synonyms
Camptonyx rotundifrons A. Milne-Edwards, 1869 Trierarchus rotundifrons A. Milne-Edwards, 1869

Description

It is lime green in colour, similar to that of the algae it selectively shelters in and feeds on.^[2][3]

Ecology

Caphyra rotundifrons has a diet specialized to the macroalgae Chlorodesmis fastigiata. Its use of this algae as a food source and habitat leads it to experience reduced predation, since the algae is toxic and shunned by both herbivorous and carnivorous fish.^[2][4]

Taxonomy

The genus Caphyra is currently placed in the subfamily Thalamitinae of the family Portunidae.^[1]