Ocypode ceratophthalmus,[2] the horned ghost crab[3] or horn-eyed ghost crab,[4] is a
species of
ghost crab. It lives in the
Indo-Pacific region (except the
Red Sea); from the coast of
East Africa to the
Philippines and from
Japan to the
Great Barrier Reef. They also occur in the Pacific Islands to as far east as
Polynesia and
Clipperton Island.[5][6] As their common name implies, O. ceratophthalmus possess
eyestalks extending beyond the eyes into long points,[7] which are longer in adults, and shorter (or even absent) in juveniles. The crabs have a box-shaped body, 6–8 centimetres (2.4–3.1 in) across the
carapace, with a darker markings towards the rear in the shape of an H. The outer edges of the eye-sheaths are also sharp and broadly triangular and distinctly pointing sideways in larger individuals.[4][5]O. ceratophthalmus can run at speeds of up to 2.1 metres per second (6.9 ft/s).[8]
The characteristic "horned" eyes of O. ceratophthalmus are not unique to the species, and it should not be confused with other ghost crabs which also exhibit "horns" on the end of their eyestalks such as O. cursor, O. gaudichaudii, O. macrocera, O. mortoni, O. rotundata, and O. saratan.[5]
^Gillikin, David & Verheyden, Anouk (November 11, 2002).
"Ocypode ceratophthalmus (Pallas)". A field guide to Kenyan mangroves. Retrieved January 2, 2010.
George, R. W. (April 1982). Morton, B. S.; Tsang, C. K. (eds.). "The distribution and evolution of the ghost crabs (Ocypode spp.) of Hong Kong with a description of a new species". Proceedings of the First International Marine Biological Workshop: The Marine Flora and Fauna of Hong Kong and Southern China. 1 (1). Hong Kong University Press: 185–194.
Serène, R. (1977). "Crustacés hippidés et brachyoures des îles Séchelles". Revue de Zoologie Africaine. 91 (1): 45–68.