Petrolisthes armatus
Found wedged flat beneath rubble and shells in the Marine Shore and Seagrass Meadow, this small filter-feeding crab fans suspended particles from the water with feathery mouthparts and has been observed molting and mating in the system, though larvae have not survived past the zoea stage.
Without successful offspring, this species is in danger of going extinct in miniBIOTA.
The Green Porcelain Crab filters suspended phytoplankton, zooplankton, fine detritus, and organic particles from the water column using highly modified third maxillipeds that function as feathery sweeping fans. No direct feeding events have been archived in miniBIOTA; filter feeding is inferred from the species' known biology and was consistent with the extended fan mouthparts visible in December 2024 video. The species has also been flagged as a possible predator of Daggerblade Grass Shrimp mysis larvae, though this predation has not been directly observed.
Broadly tolerant of intertidal fluctuations in temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. In miniBIOTA, adults have persisted since July 2024, indicating tolerance of the system's conditions. Salinity stability is the primary requirement; the species cannot tolerate freshwater dilution.
This species will successfully produce offspring that unfortunately only reach the zoae stage. Predation may be too much for success past this stage. More observations required.
Suspension filter feeder in the marine saltwater habitats of miniBIOTA. Population has held at approximately 12 adults since introduction. The species produces larvae that reach the zoea stage but have not survived to settlement, limiting its long-term population recovery.
Follow this species across the habitats where it currently appears in the miniBIOTA biosphere.
