According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, “Species which prey upon hard-shelled Dungeness crabs include humans, sea otters, octopus and Pacific halibut; larger Dungeness crabs and staghorn sculpin are important predators on juvenile Dungeness crabs in some areas. In the soft-shell state, they are preyed upon by many additional species.”
Crabs live in the sea and in terrestrial environments. Many species of crabs are found in Maldives. They include swift-footed crab, hermit crab and mud crabs. Their unique creation allows their gills to breath underwater while the land crabs have modified gills that allow them to breath from air. They normally live in dark and muddy areas. Crabs can be seen on rocks on the beach where waves break in. In Maldives, crabs inhabit some mangroves. This humble critter is abundant in Maldives.
Lobster is my favorite seafood. Lobster meat is soft and delicious. Their claws are also very tasty. And then comes the crab. Crab meat is also delicious. In my island, Fuvahmulah, many species of crabs inhabit. I have also caught few crabs of around eight inches from the passage way of the reefs.
I thought of writing this article for two reasons: crabs are tasty and its fascinating to see them hunting and eating their food using their claws or chelipeds and antennas. The elongated part that comes out of the crab’s body is called chelipeds. Or the entire claw located in their front body is called cheliped. The antennas are used to touch and smell food. The projected part elongated or comes out of their body acts as a mouth. These parts are also called appendages. They cut, crush and arrange the food using chelipeds . They have swinging legs and walking legs. Each side of the crab has five legs (periopods). So total ten legs are there. The most distinct part is called pincers. In the pincer there is a movable finger and an immovable finger. The top part of the pincer is also called chela or claw. This is the strongest appendage in crabs. The antennas are between the eyes.
It is interesting to watch when they feed. For example, in the video that I have recorded, the swift-footed crab uses its chelipeds to scratch the trevally skin and directly taking the food to the oral appendages. The fascinating part is that when they attend most of their ‘meals,’ the crab alternates what it cuts and grabs between the chelipeds. In my video, it is holding the tail with the claw and using the other claw in scratching and eating.
They eat dead and living fish, barnacles, snails, shrimp, worms and even other crabs. Most crabs are foraging omnivores. They will eat plant and animal matter that they come across. Basically, it means that they will eat anything left unattended on the ground, as they are scavengers.
It is mesmerizing to observe the intricate and fascinating texture of a crab – its shell and charismatic appearance. Observe yourself the vibrant spots and the intricate contours that portray and define the creature. Each bump and groove tells a story of survival and adaptation, illustrating the crab’s natural defenses against predators and harsh environments. Though tiny and overlooked, crab reveals us the beauty of natural realm in its flawless and supreme state.