scubaseason

Flatback Mud Crab

Scylla olivacea

Sighting evidence at Tori-Ike Connected Lakes, Miyako Islands

Large mud crabs occupy the muddy substrate around the lake margins and in the mangrove root system, emerging at night to scavenge and hunt. They are a key nutrient recycler in the lake's enclosed ecosystem, breaking down organic matter that sinks from the productive upper layer. Snorkellers observing the shoreline at dusk frequently encounter adults defending territories beneath overhanging mangrove roots.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Flatback Mud Crab is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.