Red-eyed xanthid crab (Platypodia eydouxi)
Source-cited species reference: taxonomy from WoRMS, biology from SeaLifeBase, occurrence map from GBIF, description from Wikipedia.
Last updated
NMNH - Invertebrate Zoology Dept. · via Wikipedia: Platypodia eydouxi · CC0
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 classification
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumArthropoda
- CladePancrustacea
- ClassMalacostraca
- OrderDecapoda
- SuborderPleocyemata
- InfraorderBrachyura
- FamilyXanthidae
- GenusPlatypodia
- SpeciesPlatypodia eydouxi
Named by (A. Milne-Edwards, 1865)
Sources: Wikipedia taxobox: Platypodia eydouxi (CC BY-SA 4.0) · order, family and genus agree with WoRMS AphiaID 444389 (CC BY 4.0)
Where the red-eyed xanthid crab (platypodia eydouxi) has been recorded
Each dot is a place where the species has been observed and reported (119 records, half-degree grid) — not a modelled range. 6 inland records left out (institution coordinates).
Map: drawn by Codexery. Data: GBIF occurrence search (records CC0 / CC BY) · Natural Earth basemap (public domain)
Quick Facts
- Scientific name
- Platypodia eydouxi
- Authority
- (A. Milne-Edwards, 1865)
- Family
- Xanthidae
- Order
- Decapoda
- Habitat zone
- reef-associated
- Gbif occurrence records
- 119
Facts from the source article.
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Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Atergatis limbatus Dana, 1852; Lophactaea eydouxi A. Milne-Edwards, 1865.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 2026-09-25.
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 2026-09-25.
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 2026-09-25.
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 2026-09-25.
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Platypodia eydouxi (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Classification: the source article's taxobox; order, family and genus checked against WoRMS, the World Register of Marine Species (CC BY 4.0).
- Occurrence records: GBIF (CC0 / CC BY). Basemap: Natural Earth (public domain).
- Word definitions: the , each quoted from its Wikipedia article.
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