16 x 24 Peeble Crab

All crabs are known as decapods which literally translates to “ten legs”. In most species these five pairs of legs are accompanied by three more pair that serves as feeding apparatus. In addition many species feature one modified pair of legs that form the iconic pinchers. These are utilized in defense, fighting among rival males, hunting and in communication with conspecifics. It is somewhat ironic that so many crab species are highly prized culinary delicacies in cultures the world over. Nearly all crabs are omnivorous scavengers that play an important role in aiding in the decomposition of dead organisms and the breaking down of waste such as fungi, bacteria and detritus.