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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Shamefaced Crab

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

Barely visible beneath a thin layer of sand, the shamefaced crab sometimes reveals its presence through its claws protruding from the seabed. Its rounded shell and remarkable ability to break shellfish make it an inconspicuous but striking inhabitant of underwater landscapes.

Habitat de Shamefaced Crab Habitat
Sand, Detrital bottom
Profondeur de Shamefaced Crab Depth
6-120 m
Groupe biologique de Shamefaced Crab Group
Crustacean
Rôle écologique de Shamefaced Crab Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The shamefaced crab has a fairly broad, rounded and domed shell, giving it a compact silhouette. Its surface is covered in small bumps that form a grainy texture. Its colour ranges from pinkish beige to light brown, often marked with small darker spots. Its broad, flattened claws fold against the front of its body, partly hiding its head. This distinctive posture is the origin of its name.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It is found in the Mediterranean Sea and nearby Atlantic, mainly on sandy or muddy seabeds. It often lives partly buried in the sediment, allowing it to protect itself and remain inconspicuous. It occurs from shallow water to more than a hundred metres deep.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The shamefaced crab mainly feeds on molluscs. It uses its more robust claw to break shells, while the other handles and extracts the flesh. It can also eat other small benthic animals.

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Predatory species

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