“The sponge isn’t just a disguise, as they are well known for having a very good set of chemical defences to protect themselves from predation. The rear legs are a adapted to hold the sponge onto the body. By subscribing you become an AG Society member, helping us to raise funds for conservation and adventure projects. (Image: Bernard Dupont/Wikimedia) It is a relationship providing much aid to the crab, but although the sponge remains living – it is unclear whether they reap many benefits from their new, mobile host. Stone crab. Ah, the sponge. After mating takes place and the eggs are fertilised they are kept on the underside of the female. Such actions are credited with raising harvests from an extended slump in the early twenties to record heights. While other crabs rely on their hard shells, intricate patterns and pincers for protection, these crabs use live sponges – fashioning them to their body and holding them in place like colourful hats. The sponge crabs are found on coral and rock reefs across the Indo-Pacific. As their name implies they decorate themselves with a piece of poisonous sponge which they trim off a live sponge. The scientific name for the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) tells it all—the Greek calli means “beautiful,” nectes means “swimmer,” and the Latin sapidus means “savory.” Indeed, these blue-hued creatures offer what many esteem as the sweetest, most delectable taste of the sea. This crustacean, caught by Gary Eglington, is now without its sponge after it was taken by another crab. The edges of the chelepids are a pinkish white colour. The rear legs are a adapted to hold the sponge onto the body. She is called a sook. “They always appear to have a very grumpy-looking face poking out from under the sponge cap, and they also seem a bit clumsy walking around under water – most probably due to the oversized hat.”. (Image: Seascapeza/Wikimedia). The largest specimen we have seen has been approximately 15 cm in width. It is unlawful to harvest female sponge (egg-bearing) crabs. How to Identify a Pregnant Female Blue Crab Pregnant Blue Crabs Although it can be tricky to identify a female at first glance, it is incredibly easy to spot a pregnant female due to the orange “sponge” that is attached to her abdomen. She will typically carry over two million eggs. A sponge crab is an intriguing type of saltwater crab that carries around a living piece of sponge as a disguise. Shells can reach up to 9 inches across. “Many predators have evolved methods of getting into even the most solid crabs, so the sponge crabs have evolved to carry large pieces of camouflage to prevent being spotted by predators such as fish, octopus and other crabs,” explains Andrew Hosie, curator of Crustacea at the WA Museum. Large male blue crabs, called “Jimmy crabs” have brilliant blue claws and legs. A mature female has a widened apron with a semicircular bell shape that looks like the U.S. Capitol building. Life History of the Blue Crab. The genus Callinectes is distinguished from other portunid crabs by the lack of an internal spine on the carpus (the middle segment of the claw), as well as by the T-shape of the male abdomen. What’s the damage? Today, I'll look into this small yet influential piece of hermit crab care equipment. You can only take a stone crab’s right … Female blue crabs carry fertilized eggs under their abdomen. Mr. Krabs is short, red, portly, very tall eyestalks, a crinkled nose, large claws, and very short, pointy legs. There is no daily possession limit for blue crabs, but its legal size must be a minimum of 5 inches, measuring across the body from one tip of its spine to the other. “Some species of sponge crabs show a preference for particular sponge species, but it doesn’t seem to be very strict in general, some will even use colonial ascidians as well as sponges,” Andrew says. FIGURE I.-Ventral (under surface) views of female and male blue crabs. The blue crab’s shell—called the “carapace”—is a blue to olive green. Genus: Lauridromia Alan Sutton is an underwater photographer and writer at Seaunseen. He wears a light blue shirt and slackers with a black belt. C. sapidus individuals exhibit sexual dimorphism. Most of us wouldn't like to have bits and pieces of our body ripped off by a crab. Fish and Wildlife Service Sportfish Restoration Fund. Because they change carapace at regular intervals they need to redecorate themselves with a piece of sponge every time the carapace is changed. Due to sea predators only 1or 2 eggs of the over two million eggs will ever make it to be a blue crab. Uusually these crabs head off when there is a light on them but these two ignored the light. Cuddle a little piece of Australia with our soft toy range. The blue crab is so named because of its sapphire-tinted claws. As both predator and prey, blue crabs are a keystone species in the food chain. Other crabs such as the Decorator Crabs use similar strategies for protection and camouflage. Males have a strongly tapered abdomen, or \"apron,\" that resembles an inverted T, mature fem… Some Sponge Crabs seem to do a better job of it than others. // ]]>. Here’s where you can eye-spy our feathered friends across the country. And while the benefits in camouflage are clear, it is not known whether sponge selection plays a role in breeding. Dust the crab patties with flour and shallow fry them over medium heat till golden brown and crisp. // ... 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