Red-eyed xanthid crab (Platypodia eydouxi)
Source-cited species reference: taxonomy from WoRMS, biology from SeaLifeBase, occurrence map from GBIF, description from Wikipedia.
Platypodia eydouxi, also called the red-eyed xanthid crab, is a crab that belongs to the family Xanthidae. It is primarily found in coral reefs and shallow marine environments across the Indo-Pacific, including Hawaii, where it is crucial in maintaining marine biodiversity.
- Scientific name
- Platypodia eydouxi
- Authority
- (A. Milne-Edwards, 1865)
- Family
- Xanthidae
- Order
- Decapoda
- Habitat zone
- reef-associated
- Gbif occurrence records
- 119
Classification (WoRMS)
Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Arthropoda · Class: Malacostraca · Order: Decapoda · Family: Xanthidae · Genus: Platypodia.
Accepted name: Platypodia eydouxi · Authority: (A. Milne-Edwards, 1865) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 444389.
Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Atergatis limbatus Dana, 1852; Lophactaea eydouxi A. Milne-Edwards, 1865.
Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=444389 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Biology and life history (SeaLifeBase)
Measured values published by SeaLifeBase for Platypodia eydouxi. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.
Habitat zone: reef-associated.
Source: SeaLifeBase species summary (SpecCode 21449) — https://www.sealifebase.se/summary/Platypodia-eydouxi.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)
119 georeferenced occurrence records for Platypodia eydouxi are published through GBIF from 4 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 10 distinct locations from a sample of 119 records, omitting 6 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.
Most records by country or area: United States of America (114); French Polynesia (2); United States Minor Outlying Islands (2); Indonesia (1).
Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 5863695) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=5863695&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=444389 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Description and natural history (Wikipedia)
Platypodia eydouxi is characterized by its distinctive red eyes, which contrast with its brownish, oval-shaped carapace. The species typically has a broad and flattened body, with a sturdy carapace that provides protection. Males tend to have slightly larger and more pronounced claws compared to females, though both genders share similar body structures. These physical traits allow the species to blend into its coral reef environment, aiding in both defense and predation.
Platypodia eydouxi is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, with populations spread across countries such as Japan, Indonesia, and Australia. This species thrives in marine habitats like coral reefs, mangroves, and rocky shores, where it finds shelter and abundant food sources. To survive, Platypodia eydouxi relies on warm water temperatures and a steady supply of small marine organisms, which support its ecological role as both predator and prey in these environments.
Source: Wikipedia: Platypodia eydouxi — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platypodia_eydouxi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.
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