Key Takeaways
| Fact | Description |
| Species Name | Dorippe Frascone |
| Common Name | Carrier crab |
| Size | About 5 cm in length |
| Color | Mix of brown and pink |
| Habitat | Red Sea and also off the eastern coast of Africa |
| Unique Behavior | Carrying a sea urchin on their carapace |
Introduction to Carrier Crab
Carrier crab, scientifically known as Dorippe Frascone, are a fascinating species of marine crabs. They are known for their unique behavior of carrying a sea urchin on their carapace, or shell, for protection.
Physical Characteristics
Carrier crab are a type of crab that have a color that’s mix of brown and pink. They can grow to be about as long as your little finger, which is around 5 cm. They have eyes that stick out on long stalks, a round carapace, and legs that are long and slender.
Distribution
You can find them in the Red Sea and also off the eastern coast of Africa. This includes places like Mozambique and a small island group called Cargados Carajos, which is to the northeast of Mauritius.
The Unique Behavior of Carrier Crab
One of the most intriguing aspects of carrier crab is their unique behavior of carrying a sea urchin on their carapace. This behavior serves as a defense mechanism against predators. They usually carry red urchin (Astropyga radiata), the black long-spined urchin (Diadema setosum) or the banded diadem urchin (Diadema savignyi). When carrying a sea urchin, they walk using only their first two pairs of legs. The other two pairs of legs are use to hold onto a sea urchin, which they carry on their back like a backpack!
The Symbiotic Relationship
Carrier crab have a symbiotic relationship with sea urchins. The sea urchin’s spines help ward off predators that may try to eat the crab. In exchange, the sea urchin gains access to new feeding grounds.
Conclusion
Carrier crab, known as Dorippe frascone, are unique marine creatures recognized for their behavior of carrying a sea urchin on their carapace for protection. Their color that’s a mix of brown and pink and grow to about 5 cm in length. Their habitat spans the Red Sea and off the coast of East Africa. The crabs have a symbiotic relationship with sea urchins, using them as a defense mechanism against predators.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorippe_frascone