Bulbous Purse Crab

Urnalana purarensis

The Bulbous Purse Crab, a member of the family Leucosiidae, is a benthic crustacean found in the Western Pacific Ocean. It inhabits shallow tropical waters, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters. This species is often encountered in sandy-bottom habitats, where it blends well with its surroundings. Divers might spot these crabs by their distinctive bulbous shape, which helps differentiate them from other crab species in the region. The Bulbous Purse Crab is part of the order Decapoda, which are mostly gonochoric, meaning they have separate sexes. Their mating behavior includes a precopulatory courtship ritual, utilizing olfactory and tactile cues. Sperm transfer in these crabs is usually indirect, a common characteristic among decapods. Divers observing these crabs can expect a harmless encounter, as they pose no threat to humans. Currently, there is no evaluation of their conservation status by the IUCN.