Carpilius maculatus is larger than its cousin Carpilius convexus, often exceeding 20cm in width. It is often referred to as the 7-11 crab due to the number of large, round dark brown spots. Four spots are found along the anterior margin of the carapace, three more on the top of the shell, and another four visible only from the back on the lower part of the rear of the shell. This crab can be found on pinnacle or seaward reefs, where it hides during the day. It is most often seen at night, when it comes out to forage. Like C. convexus, a large part of the diet consists of shelled gastropod mollusks, which it breaks up using its powerful claws.
Created 12 September 2018