El Yunque National Forest

Photo courtesy of:  Bruce Drapeau

Freshwater Crab (Eng.), Buruquena (Sp.), Epibolocera sinuatifrons
Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer, EYNF/LEF from data provided by Felipe Cano, Forest Biologist and Bruce Drapeau, Biological Sciences Technician, EYNF/LEF.

General Information:
Freshwater crabs are an important part of aquatic habitats as they are one of the largest and most common invertebrates in streams and lakes. Freshwater crabs serve as an important food source for wildlife such as egrets and herons. They facilitate important ecological processes by scavenging in the rivers of the Forests, keeping the streams healthy for other aquatic species.

Description:
The Freshwater crabs of El Yunque belong to the class Arthropoda, from the Greek: arthron = joint, pous = foot.

Freshwater crabs are classified within a group of crusty animals (with an external skeleton made largely of a horny substance called "chitin") that have segmented bodies and appendages that can be divided into the cephalum (head), thorax and abdomen. In the Freshwater crab's case, the abdomen is effectively hidden by the carapace. The hard external skeleton (exoskeleton) does not grow and has to be replaced by a new one growing underneath. The female Freshwater crab is larger than the male. The Freshwater crab is a dark reddish-brown color with light color underneath.

Habits:
Freshwater crabs are known to move extensively at night and can breathe out of water as long as they remain moist. Breeding occurs during the late Spring and Summer months.

Habitat:
The Freshwater crab is mainly a pool occupant (as opposed to riffle areas of streams) and also is observed on land at night.

Look for it in the EYNF:
In pools near streams and rivers in the EYNF/LEF.