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Species: Pseudosquillana richeri

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Click on any image to see an enlargement. All photos © 2009 Roy Caldwell.

Common name: None

Functional type: Spearer

Range: Red Sea to French Polynesia

Habitat: Reef flats amongst rubble and live coral

Depth: 0–15 m

Home: Probably burrows under rubble and coral

Diet: Shrimp, small crabs, small fish

Size: 13–87 mm

Color: Body color variable but generally brown to maroon with numerous bluish-white spots, raptorial propodus and dactyl purple, dark eyespots on the lateral junction between abdominal segments 5 and 6

Distinguishing Characters: Dark medial spot on carapace, bright orange meral spots

Activity: In the aquarium, it appears to be diurnal

Aquarium Requirements:

Temperature: 22–28° C

Salinity: 32–36 PSU

Cohabitants: May eat small fish and shrimp

Aquarium size (adult): 40 l

Aquarium substrate: Sand and gravel; pvc pipe for burrow

Suitability for Aquarium: Hardy, but reclusive and timid; easily spooked

Availability: Very rare

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