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Limbs

Fiddler crabs have ten limbs. The first two limbs at the front of the crab with the claws are known as chelipeds; the other eight are walking legs (ambulatories). In a male fiddler crab, the limb with the large claw is known as the major cheliped, while that with the small claw is the minor cheliped. Female fiddler crabs have two small claws resembling the minor claw of the male.

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The ten decapod limbs are highlighted. Figure modified from Crane (1975).
The ten decapod limbs are highlighted. Figure modified from Crane (1975).