Scientists Discover New Species Of Absurdly Fluffy Crab That Wears A Sea Sponge Hat
Beagle by name, beagle by coloration. Image credit: WA Museum. Photographer Colin McLay
Australia is home to many species of sponge crab but this one’s different.
“They have an unusual behaviour of carrying around a piece of living sponge,” said Western Australian Museum curator of crustacea and worms Dr Andrew Hosie to ABC.
“The crabs trim the sponge to shape, let it grow to shape of their body and use them as a hat or protective blanket keep them protected from predators such as octopus and fish.”
This unique approach to camouflage is actually widely practiced among dromiidae – the family of sponge crabs which are a close relative of hermit crabs, another of the oceans’ most resourceful crustaceans.
Australia is home to many species of sponge crab but this one’s different.
“They have an unusual behaviour of carrying around a piece of living sponge,” said Western Australian Museum curator of crustacea and worms Dr Andrew Hosie to ABC.
“The crabs trim the sponge to shape, let it grow to shape of their body and use them as a hat or protective blanket keep them protected from predators such as octopus and fish.”
This unique approach to camouflage is actually widely practiced among dromiidae – the family of sponge crabs which are a close relative of hermit crabs, another of the oceans’ most resourceful crustaceans.
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19 August 2023
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