Tokunoshima's largest freshwater crab
Geothelphusa sakamotoana
Decapoda / Family: Potamidae
- Total length
- approx. 40 mm
- Range
- Takara-jima, Kikai-jima, Amami-Oshima, Kakeroma-jima, Tokunoshima, and Okinawa Island
As an omnivore, it feeds on insects, earthworms, and fallen leaves. In the diorama, it appears to be eating an acorn.
Its shell is trapezoid-shaped, with no notches along the front edges. Body color varies significantly between individuals. This large species demonstrates well-developed pincers.
It thrives in and around streams in mountain forests and is relatively common on the island.
Habitat of This Animal:
A:Forest along the valley - A2:Forest along the mountain streams
In Tokunoshima Island, abundant rainwater carved the ground, forming many rows of ridges and valleys. Plants adapting to the flowing and drying up of water grow in the harsh environment, where water swells and depletes every time rain falls. The waterfront is also a habitat for many creatures, including endemic species, with frogs and dragonflies breeding.
This A2:Forest along the mountain streams