Carpilius maculatus | Spotted Reef Crab | A1 Quality | Dry-Preserved DECAPODA

A1 Quality Crustacean Specimen

Carpilius maculatus (Order: DECAPODA, Family: XANTHIDAE) – A museum-quality spotted reef crab specimen in A1 condition, expertly dry-preserved and unmounted for collectors, educators, and natural history enthusiasts.

Specimen Details

• Scientific name: Carpilius maculatus
• Common name: Spotted reef crab
• Order: Decapoda
• Family: Xanthidae
• Quality grade: A1 – Premium condition with excellent preservation
• Condition: Dry-preserved, unmounted, ready for display or study
• Ideal for: Natural history collections, educational displays, cabinet of curiosities, marine specimen art, creative and artistic projects

About Carpilius maculatus

Carpilius maculatus, commonly known as the spotted reef crab, is one of the most visually striking crabs in the Indo-Pacific, found from the Red Sea and East Africa through to the Pacific Islands. Immediately recognisable by its large, smooth, dome-shaped carapace adorned with bold reddish-brown spots on a cream to pale background, it is among the most ornate and collectible of all reef crabs. One of the larger xanthid crabs, it inhabits coral reefs and rocky substrates across its wide range and is known to be toxic if consumed — a characteristic shared with several members of the family Xanthidae. Its exceptional size, bold patterning, and clean carapace make it a truly outstanding display specimen and a centrepiece addition to any serious natural history collection.

Perfect for marine biologists, natural history collectors, educators, artists, interior designers seeking authentic cabinet-of-curiosities aesthetics, and anyone passionate about the remarkable diversity of the natural world.