What is the relationship between the seaweed and crab?
The seaweed is chemically defended against herbivores by a pretty nasty chemical called chlorodesmin. The crab is Caphyra rotindifrons, which lives exclusively in the Chlorodesmis that typically occurs in small patches on the reef. The crab also feeds only on Chlorodesmis, and pretty much doesn’t eat anything else.
What type of crab eats seaweed?
In general, decorator crabs are opportunistic when looking for camouflage, similar to how Colorful Hermit Crabs scavenge their shells. The crab will select pieces of seaweed, coral, rocks, or even other small animals from around its habitat and then fastens them to hooked bristles on the back of its shell.
What do camouflage crab eat?
“They need the camouflage, because they’re pretty slow moving and don’t have powerful claws,” says Dr Ahyong. “They only eat dead or dying stuff, because they’re too slow to catch live animals.”
Are decorator crabs edible?
Decorator crabs and sponges go along together as these crabs use sponges to decorate themselves. They have many legs to help them move around, depending on the species they belong to. It is very uncommon for people to eat these crabs as a delicacy.
How does the shark benefit from the Remora?
The remoras swim very close to the sharks, feeding off scraps of food dropped by the shark and also gaining some protection from predators. The remora removes parasites from the shark’s skin and even inside the mouth, which benefits the shark.
Can you eat kelp crabs?
IF these are the red to dark red color with smooth shells where the carapace is the same shape as the spider crab, then yes they’re good eating. They are very sweet, but the shell is very thick. The texture is also more “stringy”, but again the meat is sweeter than any crab I’ve eaten.
What is an anemone crab?
The Porcelain Anemone Crab is white with red spots and/or blotches of red or brown. They have very large front claws which they use to fend off potential predators. They are peaceful, and make a wonderful addition to any reef or invertebrate aquarium. It eats planktonic food and mucus from the anemone.
Where can I find seaweed crabs in Australia?
Crab Profile: Seaweed Crab. The seaweed crab is an interesting and unique looking little creature which lives in the coastal waters of south eastern Australia. They can be found in shallow water and sheltered areas on rocky shorelines from central New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Houtman Abrolhos along the coast to Western Australia.
How many spines does a seaweed crab have?
The seaweed crab is approximately 30 to 40 mm wide and can have up to 5 spines which project from each side. Being part of the spider crab family, the seaweed crab has 8 legs which are a bit flat, long and spindly yet the smaller types have shorter legs which they tuck in under its body.
What kind of food does a seaweed crab eat?
Due to being a much slower crab, they do not actively hunt. Seaweed crabs feast on dying or dead mussels and dead paua. They also eat decaying seaweed and other sea grass. These crabs are scavengers and omnivorous, which means they eat meat or flesh, as well as plant material. Other seaweed crab profile facts.
Why is the seaweed crab called a decopod?
This camouflage is why the seaweed crab is often called a decorator crab or decopod from its scientific order Decapoda. Some of the plant materials the crab sticks to itself will grow on its carapace, making the seaweed crab look much bigger than it actually is.