Semaphore Crab

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Heloecius cordiformis

Semaphore Crab, a reference photo
Photo: Sylke Rohrlach · CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence)

Heloecius cordiformis is a species of semiterrestrial crab found in mangrove swamps and mudflats along the east coast of Australia. Adults are around 25 mm (1 in) wide, with males being larger and having larger and more conspicuously coloured claws. The males wave their claws to communicate with other crabs, giving them their common name of semaphore crab. They can breathe both in air and under water, and feed at low tide on detritus in the sediment. H. cordiformis is the only species in the genus Heloecius and the family Heloeciidae.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Semaphore Crab being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Malacostraca
Order
Decapoda
Family
Heloeciidae
Species
Heloecius cordiformis

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