Sunday, July 18, 2010





This small cryptic-looking "decorator crab" appears to have mastered the art of disguise by attaching various anemones and coral polyps to its exoskeleton. Notice its greenish-colored eye at the end of its eye stalk (view of the crab's left side). A slow mover, even when approached, it seems to have complete confidence in its ability to remain inconspicuous. This particular specimen is about 1 inch in height. The alternate black and white bands on its legs distinguish this decorator crab from other, similar species.

Though not exactly the same as the crab in the previous frame, this spider crab has truly earned the title of "decorator". Though there appears to be too much extra weight for this small crab to lug around, it probably has an easier time than a typical hermit, which carries a heavy abandoned shell with it everywhere it goes.

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