Data for background map © ESRI and ArcWorld
Tachypleus tridentatus Back to Top
Know as the “Japanese” horseshoe crab, Tachypleus tridentatus is found in the East and South
China Seas and is the only species of horseshoe crab found in Japan. It is also considered the largest
of the three Asiatic species of horseshoe crabs. In Japan, the species is locally referred to as “kabutogani”
and protected as a national treasure. China is believed to have the largest remaining populations of this species.
However, the species is under threat from a variety of sources. Rapid industrialization of coastal areas in Japan
and China have destroyed vital coastal spawning habitat. Also, millions of horseshoe crabs have been harvested
for food, sold live or in tin containers. Crabs are also harvested in China as source of chitin used as an
industrial raw material.
Additional information:
- http://www.saga-ed.go.jp/school/edq10015/kabuto.html
- http://www.hku.hk/ecology/porcupine/por18/crabs.htm
- http://www.city.kasaoka.okayama.jp/horseshoe_crab/index.htm
- http://kankyo.city.fukuoka.jp/eco/data/hozen_e.html
Tachypleus gigas Back to Top
Know as the “Chinese” or “serrated-tail” horseshoe crab, Tachypleus gigas is found in coastal
areas from the South China Sea to the Indian subcontinent. This crab has an average length of
35cm and has been found to use the mud flats of mangroves to spawn. However, the species is
under threat from a variety of sources. Development along coastal areas has degraded vital spawning
habitat and in China the crabs are locally sold and eaten for food.
Additional information:
- http://www.bhitarkanika.com/spfegh.htm