Maltese freshwater crab
| Maltese freshwater crab | |
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| Freshwater crab in a stream in Baħrija, Malta. | |
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| Subspecies: | P. f. lanfrancoi
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| Trinomial name | |
| Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi Capolongo & Cilia, 1990
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The Maltese freshwater crab (Qabru) is endemic to certain areas within the Maltese Islands. This subspecies of crab is very rare and its numbers have been decreasing in recent years.
General features
The Maltese freshwater crab (known as the Qabru in Maltese) is a decapod (a crustacean with 10 legs). It can grow up to 8 cm (in width). It is greenish-grey with some orange-yellow patches occasionally.
Habitat
The Maltese freshwater crab is found where freshwater/running water is present throughout the year although it does live near pools and springs too. It is found in Imtaħleb, Baħrija and San Martin in Malta and in Lunzjata Valley in Gozo [1].
When threatened, the crab takes shelter by hiding under rocks or stones in the water and among vegetation, or by entering the burrows it digs. These burrows are dug in mud or clay and can be more than 50 cm deep. Part of the burrow is normally flooded [1].
Food
The Maltese freshwater crab is carnivorous and feeds on other smaller animals such as tadpoles. It usually feeds after sunset [1].
Population
Sadly, the numbers of this freshwater crab are steadily declining as a result of pollution of water, drying up of streams and because of its capture by humans [1].