Crabs - The Drummers of the Sea
Hop into any ocean and you'll find at least one species of sideways-skittering, periscope-eyed, claw-drumming crab. Let's learn a little more about these globe-trotters.
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There are many kinds – but some are pretenders
Of the 5,000 species of crabs, about 500 are false crabs. These pretenders include hermit crabs, king crabs, and horseshoe crabs.
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The Eyestalks Have It
Their eyes are on stalks and each are capable of moving different directions, giving the crab a 360 degree view. The eyestalks are especially useful as a sort of periscope if the crab is hiding under something.
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Drum It Out
They may not have a voice, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get their point across. Crabs drum their claws or wave them around to say what they need to.
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The Power of Regeneration
Sometimes claws or legs are lost in fights with predators or other crabs. Fortunately, crabs can grow both back in time.
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Stomach Teeth
Their mouths are empty of teeth but some species have teeth in their stomach instead. As the stomach contracts, it grinds up any food within, making it easier to digest.
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Sideways Skitter
While some can strut their stuff in any direction, they move the fastest and easiest sideways due to the way their legs articulate. A few species are capable of swimming, their rear legs having evolved into swim paddles.
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Some are Big Boys
The Japanese Spider Crab is the largest crab in the world with a 12 foot leg span. How would you like to see that coming at you?
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Some Carry Weapons, Some Use Disguise
The boxer crab will often carry around anemones as protection from predators, while the decorator crab actually affixes objects and other marine life to its body as disguise. They’ve been known to use anemones, seaweed, coral, sponges, rocks, and shells among other things.
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They Get Around
Crabs can be found anywhere in the world. From tidal pools to thousands of feet deep, from the ice of Antarctica to scalding, volcanic vents. Some live on land and even in trees. Just about anywhere in the world you dive, you’ve got a good chance of seeing some species of crab.
