Scientists Discover New Species Of Absurdly Fluffy Crab That Wears A Sea Sponge Hat

“All members of this group of crabs are hairy to some extent but this one is ridiculous.” And then we haven’t talked about the hat…

Is that a living sea sponge that you’re wearing for a hat? Oh yeah. Image credit: WA Museum. Photographer, Colin McLay
Although hairs serve many purposes in the animal kingdom, scientists are somewhat buffled by the the outrageous degree of fluff this newly discovered crab species sports. The bushy sponge crab was found off the south coast of Western Australia and, besides its hairdo, it apparently also sports a neat protective hat made of living sea sponge.

Named in honor of the HMS Beagle – on which Charles Darwin conducted his research – the hairy crustacean (Lamarckdromia beagle) seems to have no problem attaching living sponges to its beagle-colored hairstyle. The fine hairs (which are hooked at the end) attached to their exoskeletons are perfect for affixing things such as a sea sponge hat to save you from rough seas.