Fauna – Crustaceans | Kota Kinabalu Wetland

Fiddler Crab

Easy to spot by the males’ oversized claw, fiddler crabs are not just fascinating to watch — they play a big role in keeping mangroves healthy. By constantly sifting through the mud for food, they aerate the soil and recycle nutrients, improving conditions for plants and other animals.

Tree-Climbing Crab

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Sentinel Crab

Known for their raised eyes that look like tiny periscopes, sentinel crabs are constantly on the lookout for danger. Living on open mudflats, they feed on detritus and help maintain the balance of microorganisms in the soil.

Sesarmine Crab

Often seen munching on fallen mangrove leaves, sesarmine crabs are the forest’s natural recyclers. Their feeding breaks down tough mangrove litter, speeding up decomposition and enriching the soil with nutrients.

Mud Crab & Red Silt Crab

These crabs are key recyclers of the mangrove floor. Mud crabs, often sought after for food, scavenge and help keep the ecosystem clean, while red silt crabs feed on fallen mangrove leaves, breaking them down into nutrients the forest can reuse. Together, they keep the mudflats healthy and support both the food web and local livelihoods.

Mud Lobster

Nicknamed the “engineers” of the mangrove, mud lobsters dig deep burrows that create mounds of soil. These mounds become micro-habitats for ferns, crabs, and even small mammals — making mud lobsters essential to biodiversity in the swamp.

Prawns

Prawns thrive in mangrove nurseries before moving to the open sea. This safe environment allows young prawns to grow, which in turn supports local fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Without mangroves, prawn populations — and the communities who depend on them — would suffer.