DecapodaEpialtidae – Kelp Crabs and Spider Crabs

Libinia dubia

This record describes Libinia dubia (species). Recorded family: Epialtidae. Recorded order: Decapoda.

Identification and Appearance

Libinia dubia - Libinia dubia
Contributed by Aaron Hunt

6 spines in median dorsal row (9 in L. emarginata ), fewer dorsal tubercles than L. emarginata

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Malacostraca
Order
Decapoda (Crabs, Crayfishes, Lobsters, Prawns, and Shrimp)
Family
Epialtidae (Kelp Crabs and Spider Crabs)
Genus
Libinia (Spider Crabs)

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Coastal, Nantucket to Texas, also Cuba, Mexico

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Libinia dubia H. Milne Edwards 1834

About Crabs, Crayfishes, Lobsters, Prawns, and Shrimp: the wider group

Order-level background for Decapoda, the group containing Libinia dubia. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Decapoda includes ~15,000 described species of crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish. Although primarily marine and freshwater, some species like hermit crabs and coconut crabs are fully terrestrial.

Ecological role of the group

Crayfish are keystone species in freshwater ecosystems, influencing water clarity, sediment dynamics, and plant communities. Hermit crabs play vital roles in nutrient cycling on tropical islands.

Economic and practical significance of the group

The global shrimp industry alone is worth over $45 billion annually. Crayfish are important aquaculture species and invasive crayfish cause ecological damage estimated in the hundreds of millions annually in Europe and North America.

Recorded sources for this group: FAO fisheries statistics, freshwater ecology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Decapoda families and species →

Frequently Asked Questions About Libinia dubia

What is Libinia dubia?

Libinia dubia is a species in the family Epialtidae, within the order Decapoda.

How do you identify Libinia dubia?

6 spines in median dorsal row (9 in L. emarginata ), fewer dorsal tubercles than L. emarginata

Where is Libinia dubia found?

Range: Coastal, Nantucket to Texas, also Cuba, Mexico

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Hunt. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.