📌 Did you know?

👉 Exoskeleton Molting: Crabs have a hard exoskeleton that doesn’t grow with them. To accommodate their growth, crabs undergo a process called molting, where they shed their exoskeleton and form a new, larger one. During molting, crabs are vulnerable until their new exoskeleton hardens.

👉 Sideways Walkers: One of the distinctive features of crabs is their sideways walking. Their legs are designed to move in a sideways motion, allowing for efficient movement on the ocean floor and along coastlines. This unique walking style is a key adaptation to their habitat.

👉 Land and Water Dwellers: While many crabs live in aquatic environments, some species are adapted to terrestrial life. Land crabs, such as the coconut crab, can be found on islands and coastal areas, and they are capable of climbing trees.

👉 Colorful Variety: Crabs come in a diverse range of colors and patterns. Some species exhibit vibrant hues, while others have intricate patterns on their shells. The striking appearances serve various purposes, including camouflage, communication, and species recognition.

👉 Hermit Crab Shell Swapping: Hermit crabs don’t have a hard protective shell of their own, so they use empty shells to protect their soft abdomens. As they grow, hermit crabs need to find larger shells. Interestingly, they engage in a behavior known as “shell swapping,” where they abandon their old shell and move into a new, more spacious one.