Uca pugilator
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[Photo] Uca pugilator. Photo taken: Gulf Coast of Florida 9/27/2006.
Uca pugilator, the sand fiddler crab is a small crab found in sandy, mangrove-covered ground, where it digs its holes in the root-filled ground. It uses these holes for shelter from the elements and predators. The carapace is a square shape, tapering slightly to the rear. The space between the eyes is much shorter than the eyestalk. The males have one extremely enlarged claw, which they use to claim their territory and fight with other males. It is common for males to lose claws in the "battles". When this happens, the other "smaller" claw begins to enlarge, soon becoming the extremely enlarged claw, while the lost limb regenerates. This is why the enlarged claw can be on different sides. The inside of these claws are also very smooth, unlike its other close relatives Uca pugnax and Uca minax.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uca_pugilator
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