| Category | Details |
| Family | Dromiidae |
| Common Name | Sponge crab |
| Characteristics | Two pairs of tiny antennae, mouthparts for eating, and ten legs |
| Diet | Scavenges dead plants, algae, and small sea creatures |
| Habitat | Rocky hideouts and coral reefs on North Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and connecting parts of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean |
| Unique Traits | Uses 4th and 5th pairs of legs to grip sponges as camouflage |
Have you ever seen a crab wearing a hat? Meet the sponge crab which is a family of crabs (Dromiidae) and a clever crustacean that carries a living sea sponge on its back. These crabs are not just funny-looking, they’re full of surprises. Let’s dive into their underwater world and discover what makes them so special.
Characteristics of the Sponge Crab
Sponge crab, like Dromia personata, has a unique body. Let’s break it down in simple terms:
Body Structure:
- Their bodies are symmetrical (both sides look the same) and split into two parts: a head and a main body.
- They have two pairs of tiny antennae, mouthparts for eating, and ten legs.
Special Legs:
- The first two legs are big, strong claws (called chelipeds) with smooth, pink or white tips.
- The next two pairs of legs are thick and used for walking.
- The last two pairs of legs are short, flat, and bendy. These sit on their back and act like “arms” to grip sea sponges or other objects.
Fuzzy Armor:
- Most of their body is covered in soft, dark brown hairs, giving them a velvety look.
- They wear a hard shell made of chitin, which they shed as they grow. After molting, they sometimes eat their old shell to recycle nutrients.
Where Do Sponge Crabs Live?
Sponge crabs love rocky hideouts and coral reefs. They’re found in warm, shallow waters all over the world, from the Mediterranean Sea to the coasts of Australia.
what do Sponge Crab eat?
You might spot them hiding during the day since they’re primarily nocturnal (active at night). They are Omnivore, so at night they crawl out to scavenge for food like dead plants, algae, or tiny sea creatures.
Why Do Sponge Crab Carry Sponges?
Imagine wearing a hat that hides you and fights off enemies. That’s exactly what the sponge does! Here’s why:
- Camouflage: The sponge blends in with the ocean floor, making the crab invisible to predators like octopuses, starfish or other fish.
- Toxic Defense: Many sponges contain chemicals that taste bad or are poisonous.
- Teamwork: The sponge gets a free ride, while the crab stays safe but scientists aren’t sure sponges gets much from this deal.
If sponges are scarce, these crabs get creative. They’ve been seen using sea squirts, seaweed, or even flip-flops as substitutes!
How Can We Help Sponge Crabs?
- Keep Oceans Clean: Reduce plastic use and recycle.
- Protect Reefs: Support marine parks and eco-friendly fishing.
- Learn More: Share cool facts about sponge crabs with friends!
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