Platypodia eydouxi

Platypodia eydouxi
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Malacostraca
Order:	Decapoda
Suborder:	Pleocyemata
Infraorder:	Brachyura
Family:	Xanthidae
Genus:	Platypodia
Species:	P. eydouxi
Binomial name
Platypodia eydouxi (A. Milne-Edwards, 1865)

Platypodia eydouxi, also called the red-eyed xanthid crab, is a crab that belongs to the family Xanthidae.^[1] 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.^[2]

Platypodia eydouxi is characterized by its distinctive red eyes, which contrast with its brownish, oval-shaped carapace.^[3] The species typically has a broad and flattened body, with a sturdy carapace that provides protection.^[4] Males tend to have slightly larger and more pronounced claws compared to females, though both genders share similar body structures.^[3] These physical traits allow the species to blend into its coral reef environment, aiding in both defense and predation.^[3]

Platypodia eydouxi is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, with populations spread across countries such as Japan, Indonesia, and Australia.^[5] This species thrives in marine habitats like coral reefs, mangroves, and rocky shores, where it finds shelter and abundant food sources.^[6] 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.^[6]