queen crab
VU

queen crab

Carpilius corallinus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpilius_corallinus

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The queen crab faces significant pressure from intensive harvesting for food and the aquarium trade, particularly affecting larger reproductive individuals. Coastal development and pollution in its Indo-Pacific range have degraded critical coral reef and rocky shore habitats. Climate change-induced coral bleaching and ocean acidification further threaten the reef ecosystems this species depends upon for shelter and feeding.

Threat summary

Habitat

Queen crabs inhabit coral reefs, rocky shores, and shallow coastal waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically found in crevices and under coral formations at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to approximately 30 meters.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Anguilla

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
CR

Pholidoscelis corvinus

Unknown
West Indian topshellVU

West Indian topshell

Cittarium pica

Unknown
Epinephelus striatusCR

Epinephelus striatus

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is queen crab classified as Vulnerable?
queen crab is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The queen crab faces significant pressure from intensive harvesting for food and the aquarium trade, particularly affecting larger reproductive individuals. Coastal development and pollution in its Indo-Pacific range have degraded critical coral reef and rocky shore habitats. Climate change-induced coral bleaching and ocean acidification further threaten the reef ecosystems this species depends upon for shelter and feeding.
Where does queen crab live?
queen crab occurs in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, and Belize (plus 30 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to queen crab?
The main threats to queen crab are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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