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  • This is a juvenile of an endangered tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus). It measured about 37mm, which suggests that this juvenile was at the fifth instar of development, about a year since hatching. This species takes 15 years to mature, molting 18 times during that period. The estimated lifespan for this species is 25 years.<br />
<br />
These horseshoe crabs are generally only active when the water temperature exceeds 18 degrees Celsius. As such, they are dormant for much of the year, resting in deeper water until the ocean warms again.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.<br />
<br />
Synthetic substitute tests have been available since 2003. The biomedical industry has however been reluctant to discontinue the practice of bleeding live animals.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-juvenile-tri-...tif
  • This is a juvenile Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) climbing up and out of the substrate where it had just hatched with dozens of siblings. When spawning takes place, eggs are deposited, fertilized and buried. Upon hatching, the young horseshoe crabs need to burrow up through 10-20cm of sand, mud and muck.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a juvenile of an endangered tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), juxtaposed with a five Yen coin for scale. The animal’s carapace measured about 37mm, which suggests that this juvenile was at the fifth instar of development, about a year since hatching. This species takes 15 years to mature, molting 18 times during that period. The estimated lifespan for this species is 25 years.<br />
<br />
These horseshoe crabs are generally only active when the water temperature exceeds 18 degrees Celsius. As such, they are dormant for much of the year, resting in deeper water until the ocean warms again.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.<br />
<br />
Synthetic substitute tests have been available since 2003. The biomedical industry has however been reluctant to discontinue the practice of bleeding live animals.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-juvenile-tri-...tif
  • This is a juvenile of an endangered tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus). It measured about 37mm, which suggests that this juvenile was at the fifth instar of development, about a year since hatching. This species takes 15 years to mature, molting 18 times during that period. The estimated lifespan for this species is 25 years.<br />
<br />
These horseshoe crabs are generally only active when the water temperature exceeds 18 degrees Celsius. As such, they are dormant for much of the year, resting in deeper water until the ocean warms again.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.<br />
<br />
Synthetic substitute tests have been available since 2003. The biomedical industry has however been reluctant to discontinue the practice of bleeding live animals.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-juvenile-tri-...tif
  • These are endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) engaged in spawning. The larger female in front has just started to burrow into the substrate to deposit eggs, with the smaller male attached to the rear.<br />
<br />
In the intertidal location where this pair were photographed, the mud and gravel substrate contained pockets of air, which were sometimes released when the horseshoe crabs became active. Such liberated gas sometimes passes through the carapace of the female, resulting in the illusion of exhalation. Here it appears almost as if the female crab is venting air.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.<br />
<br />
Synthetic substitute tests have been available since 2003. The biomedical industry has however been reluctant to discontinue the practice of bleeding live animals.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a spanner crab (Ranina ranina), also known as a red frog crab. It is an edible crab found in tropical and sub-tropical waters. These crabs burrow into the sand rear-first, where they stay camouflaged with only their eyes protruding. They come out to scavenge for food. Unlike other crabs, this species walks in a forward direction. Though this crustacean is harvested for food, there is little known about this species’ ecology. It is the only species extant in its genus.
    red-spanner-frog-crab-ranina-ranina-...tif
  • Anemone hermit crab (Dardanus pedunculatus) capturing and eating a mollusk. This hermit crab has a symbiotic relationship with anemones. The crab attaches anemones to the shell it lives in and transfers the anemones when it grows larger and changes shells. The anemones provide defence against predators like octopuses. It is possible that transfer of shells took place after this photograph was taken.
    anemone-hermit-crab-dardanus-peduncu...tif
  • This is a cloud of crab larvae, just after release in shallow water by a female land crab (Discoplax hirtipes). At 100% magnification, the individual larva are easily distinguishable. See separate image of female crab in the act of releasing these eggs/ larvae into the water. Photographed at Ngeremdiu Beach, Ngeruktabel Island in Palau.
    crab-larvae-zoea-Discoplax-hirtipes-...tif
  • This is a juvenile endangered Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) swimming into the water column after birth. Measuring about 7mm, this little crustacean and siblings burst forth from their nest in a frenzy of activity approximately two months after spawning by the adults.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a female Discoplax hirtipes terrestrial crab disseminating her brood of fertilized eggs into shallow water during full moon. The crab waited on land at Ngeremdiu Beach for the evening high tide. She entered the water as the tide turned to go out and released her eggs. Once she committed to releasing eggs, it was only a matter of seconds before she completed her task and headed back to the safety of her underground burrow. See separate photograph of the crab eggs in the water.
    female-land-crab-releasing-eggs-pala...tif
  • This is a Lophomastix japonica spiny sand crab, which is a cryptic species few people have seen in the wild. It lives in sandy environments of the Sea of Japan, the Pacific coast of the Japan, the coast of South and North Korea and the northern part of the Yellow Sea. These crabs burrow in the substrate and are also known as mole crabs. I believe this crab and others I encountered had surfaced for molting and reproduction. Photographed in Hokkaido, Japan.
    lophomastix-japonica-spiny-sand-crab...tif
  • This is a newly hatched endangered Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), around 7mm in size. Juveniles emerge fully formed and functional. The animal's feet are visible protruding from the rear of the carapace.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a Lophomastix japonica spiny sand crab, which is a cryptic species few people have seen in the wild. It lives in sandy environments of the Sea of Japan, the Pacific coast of the Japanese Islands, the coast of South and North Korea and the northern part of the Yellow Sea. These crabs burrow in the substrate and are also known as mole crabs. I believe this crab and others I encountered had surfaced for molting and reproduction. Photographed in Hokkaido, Japan.
    lophomastix-japonica-spiny-sand-crab...tif
  • These are endangered Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) juveniles clustering together.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a juvenile endangered Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) setting forth into the world. Measuring about 7mm, this little crustacean and siblings burst forth from their nest in a frenzy of activity approximately two months after spawning by the adults.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a close-up view of a male tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) that is in the process of fertilizing eggs being deposited by the female in the substrate beneath the male. The female has burrowed into the mud and gravel, with her head and most of her torso buried.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.<br />
<br />
Synthetic substitute tests have been available since 2003. The biomedical industry has however been reluctant to discontinue the practice of bleeding live animals.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a male Huenia heraldica crab, one of many species of crustaceans that use other animals for camouflage and protection. This crab was particularly ambitious in terms of the relative size of the hydroids it chose to carry around presumably for self-defense.
    huenia-heraldica-decorator-crab-hydr...tif
  • This is a red frog spanner crab (Ranina ranina) creating a sandstorm as it runs across sandy substrate. This species is the only extant member of its genus and is considered a delicacy in many countries. When it emerges from the sand, this crab ambles across the sea floor with forward motion, unusual among the true crabs.
    red-frog-spanner-crab-ranina-ranina-...tif
  • Malcolm was our cook during the kayak expedition. Here he is holding a large male land crab (Discoplax hirtipes) at our second campsite, which was at Ngeremdiu Beach. Malcolm told me that female crabs migrate from land to the water to release their brood at the turning of the high tide during full moon. We saw a few females releasing eggs here at Ngeremdiu Beach, and also at the next campsite on Ngchuus Beach. See separate photos of female crab releasing eggs, and of the resulting zoea.
    terrestrial-crab-discoplax-hirtipes-...tif
  • This is a cloud of crab larvae, just after release in shallow water by a female land crab (Discoplax hirtipes). At 100% magnification, the individual larva are easily distinguishable. See separate image of female crab in the act of releasing these eggs/ larvae into the water. Photographed at Ngeremdiu Beach, Ngeruktabel Island in Palau.
    crab-larvae-zoea-Discoplax-hirtipes-...tif
  • This is a Lophomastix japonica spiny sand crab, which is a cryptic species few people have seen in the wild. It lives in sandy environments of the Sea of Japan, the Pacific coast of the Japan, the coast of South and North Korea and the northern part of the Yellow Sea. These crabs burrow in the substrate and are also known as mole crabs. I believe this crab and others I encountered had surfaced for molting and reproduction. Photographed in Hokkaido, Japan.
    lophomastix-japonica-spiny-sand-crab...tif
  • This is a shallow water hydrothermal vent crab (Xenograpsus testudinatus), size less than 1cm. This species lives in sulfur-rich, anaerobic waters associated with active hydrothermal vents. The white particles in the water have been ejected along with gas bubbles from crevices among the rocks. The white hair on the crab comprises bacterial growth. Hot water emerging from the vents results in complex thermoclines that obscure visibility. As is the case with deepwater ocean vents, shallow sites host a range of bacteria that make use of sulfur as an energy source. First described in Taiwan, this crab species has been confirmed in several locations in Japan as well. This photograph is from Showa Io-jima in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
    xenograpsus-testudinatus-hydrotherma...tif
  • This is a shallow water hydrothermal vent crab (Xenograpsus testudinatus), size less than 1cm. This species lives in sulfur-rich, anaerobic waters associated with active hydrothermal vents. The white particles in the water have been ejected along with gas bubbles from crevices among the rocks. The white hair on the crab comprises bacterial growth. Hot water emerging from the vents results in complex thermoclines that obscure visibility. As is the case with deepwater ocean vents, shallow sites host a range of bacteria that make use of sulfur as an energy source. First described in Taiwan, this crab species has been confirmed in several locations in Japan as well. This photograph is from Showa Io-jima in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
    xenograpsus-testudinatus-hydrotherma...tif
  • This is a newly hatched Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus). It had just crawled out of the substrate and swum into the murky, nutrient-rich water column, which was filled with a frenzy of copepods.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a harlequin crab (Lissocarcinus laevis) comfortably ensconced in a tube anemone.
    lissocarcinus-laevis-harlequin-crab-...tif
  • These are two newly hatched endangered juvenile Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) juveniles emerging from the ocean bottom.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a pair of endangered Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) juveniles. One has commenced borrowing into the substrate. The other had flipped upside-down, as the juveniles seem to do with reasonable frequency.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a newly hatched endangered Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), around 7mm in size. Juveniles emerge fully formed and functional.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a newly hatched endangered Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), around 7mm in size. Juveniles emerge fully formed and functional.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a Columbus crab (Planes minutus), a small oceanic crab that lives on floating objects such as seaweed, driftwood and other debris, or in association with animals such as by-the-wind sailors (Velella velella) or turtles. They can appear in different colors. This one was found together with a mass stranding of thousands of Portuguese man-of-war colonial siphonophores (Physalia physalis) and by-the-wind sailors. The crab was between one and two centimeters.
    columbus-crab-planes-minutus-south-a...tif
  • This is a red frog spanner crab (Ranina ranina) walking across sandy substrate at high speed. When it emerges from the sand, this crab moves along the sea floor with forward motion, unusual among the true crabs. This species is the only extant member of its genus and is considered a delicacy in many countries.
    red-frog-spanner-crab-walking-ranina...tif
  • This is a frontal view of a Lophomastix japonica spiny sand crab, which is a cryptic species few people have seen in the wild. It lives in sandy environments of the Sea of Japan, the Pacific coast of the Japan, the coast of South and North Korea and the northern part of the Yellow Sea. These crabs burrow in the substrate and are also known as mole crabs. I believe this crab and others I encountered had surfaced for molting and reproduction. Photographed in Hokkaido, Japan.
    lophomastix-japonica-spiny-sand-crab...tif
  • This is a pair of endangered Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) juveniles. Juveniles like this sometimes climb on top of and grapple with one another when they encounter each other.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a female red egg crab (Atergatis integerrimus) sending zoea (planktonic-stage larval crabs) into the ocean. These crabs often launch their juveniles from within the safety of coral or rocks. This one was perched atop Pavona decussata coral for a few minutes before dropping into the crevice between folds of coral to continue broadcasting progeny. Photographed in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
    atergatis-integerrimus-crab-broadcas...tif
  • This is a female red egg crab (Atergatis integerrimus) sending zoea (planktonic-stage larval crabs) into the ocean. These crabs often launch their juveniles from within the safety of coral or rocks. This one was perched atop Pavona decussata coral for a few minutes before dropping into the crevice between folds of coral to continue broadcasting progeny. Photographed in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
    atergatis-integerrimus-crab-broadcas...tif
  • This is a male Pagurus constans hermit crab grasping a smaller female, behavior that is typical of hermit crabs during reproductive season. This species of hermit crab is associated with Hydrissa sodalis hydroids, which cover the shells inhabited by the crustaceans and give the crustaceans their characteristic spiky appearance. Photographed in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
    pagurus-constans-hermit-crab-reprodu...tif
  • Freshly caught deep-sea king crab (Paralomis multispina) on the deck of a fishing vessel. The crabs were brought up from around 1000m depth in Suruga Bay, Japan. Adjacent to the crabs is the bait used to attract the crabs.
    deep-sea-king-crab-paralomis-multisp...tif
  • Small crab demonstrating amazing camouflage with white stuff that it has picked up from the substrate around it. The crab was nearly invisible when it was stationary, as the area was covered in the same white substance.
    crab-demonstrating-unbelievable-camo...tif
  • Rear view of a red frog spanner crab (Ranina ranina)
    red-frog-spanner-crab-rear-view-rani...tif
  • Zebra crab (Zebrida adamsii) on venomous fire urchin (Asthenosoma varium) in Ambon, Indonesia
    zebra-crab-Zebrida-adamsii-venomous-...tif
  • This is the molted exoskeleton of a Lophomastix japonica spiny sand crab. This species burrows in the substrate and is rarely seen. It can be found in the Sea of Japan, the Pacific coast of the Japan, the coast of South and North Korea and the northern part of the Yellow Sea. Molting may have been a precursor to reproduction. Photographed in Hokkaido, Japan.
    lophomastix-japonica-spiny-sand-crab...tif
  • This is a small crab species (Lauridromia intermedia) that is known for carrying sponges, sometimes ascidians or other things on its back. Found in the western Indo-Pacific, these crabs use claw-like spines on the ends of their fourth and fifth pairs of legs to carry the sponges. Photographed in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
    lauridromia-intermedia-sponge-crab-j...tif
  • This is a female mud crab (Scylla sp.) carrying eggs during the late summer.
    scylla-mud-crab-eggs-japan-202208-00...tif
  • Close-up portrait of zebra crab (Zebrida adamsii) on a colorful fire sea urchin (Asthenosoma varium)
    zebra-crab-and-fire-urchin-ambon-201..tiff
  • This is a female Orisarma intermedium crab making her way down to the ocean to release a clutch of eggs a couple of nights before the new moon.
    orisarma-intermedium-crab-eggs-japan...tif
  • This is a Gaetice depressus pebble crab foraging in shallow water at night. Photographed in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
    gaetice-depressus-pebble-crab-2023-0...tif
  • This is a male Pagurus constans hermit crab, which is typically associated with Hydrissa sodalis hydroids as shown here. The hydroids create the crustacean's characteristic spiky appearance. Photographed in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
    pagurus-constans-hermit-crab-japan-2...tif
  • Hasegawa-san with a freshly caught species of deep-sea king crab (Lithodes turritus), known as hari-ibaragani in Japanese. This was caught at a depth of 1000m.
    hasegawa-san-deep-sea-king-crab-lith...tif
  • Juvenile crustacean encountered during blackwater night dive in Palau. Likely the megalop stage of a decapod crab, which is the final stage of development prior to settling down to morph into benthic form. Possibly Carpilius juvenile. Carapace less than 1cm.
    crab-megalop-stage-blackwater-diving...tif
  • Juvenile crustacean encountered during blackwater night dive in Palau. Likely the megalop stage of a decapod crab, which is the final stage of development prior to settling down to morph into benthic form. Possibly Carpilius juvenile. Carapace less than 1cm.
    decapod-crab-megalop-stage-blackwate...tif
  • This is a large Mauve-eyed hermit crab (Dardanus crassimanus) consuming a red cornetfish (Fistularia petimba).
    dardanus-crassimanus-consuming-fistu...tif
  • This is a pair of endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) moving across the ocean bottom, with the larger female in front and the male clasped onto the rear. The tips of some of the animals’ legs are visible.<br />
<br />
The female is searching for a location to spawn. Once she finds a place that she likes, she burrows partially into the substrate and deposits a clutch of eggs, which the male fertilizes. Such spawning occurs repetitively. When searching in this manner, horseshoe crabs can travel at a relatively rapid pace. Otherwise, they tend to move slowly, as evidenced by the gastropod that has crawled on top of the male’s head.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a top-down view of a pair of endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) engaged in spawning. The male is clasped onto the rear of the female, preparing to fertilize eggs that she will deposit. Seen here, the female is still burrowing into the substrate. She will dig deeper, until her primary compound eyes and most of her prosoma is buried. The bubbles are the result of pockets of air trapped in the mud and gravel being released due to the female’s excavation.<br />
<br />
Spawning takes place in the intertidal zone, which is the reason that substantial quantities of air are present in the sediment. It is also the reason that the water is murky and somewhat hazy, as there is mixing of fresh water flowing in from land.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a pair of endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) engaged in spawning. The male is clearly visible, clasped onto the rear of the female. He is fertilizing eggs being deposited by the female, whose head is buried in the substrate.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.<br />
<br />
Synthetic substitute tests have been available since 2003. The biomedical industry has however been reluctant to discontinue the practice of bleeding live animals.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a pair of endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) engaged in spawning. They are walking along the ocean bottom in shallow water, with the larger female in front searching for a place to deposit eggs, which will be fertilized by the smaller male attached to the rear.<br />
<br />
The tips of the horseshoe crabs’ legs are visible in this image. These animals have five pairs of legs used for locomotion—the pedipalps first, followed by three pairs of legs in the middle, and a pair of pusher legs at the end. The male’s pedipalps are modified into a pair of claspers used to grasp the female as seen here. <br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • These are endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) engaged in spawning. The male is visible in his entirety, attached to the rear of the female. The female (much larger than the male) has burrowed into the substrate, with her head and most of her torso buried. She is in the process of depositing eggs, with the male fertilizing them.<br />
<br />
In the intertidal location where this pair were photographed, the mud and gravel substrate contained pockets of air. Digging and other activity by the female releases the trapped air, which bubbles up as seen in this image.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.<br />
<br />
Synthetic substitute tests have been available since 2003. The biomedical industry has however been reluctant to discontinue the practice of bleeding live animals.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • These are endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) engaged in spawning. The larger female is in front, the smaller male attached to the rear. <br />
<br />
During spring high tide, pairs like this move to shallow water. They remain largely motionless. When the time comes for spawning, the female digs into the substrate and deposits a clutch of eggs, which the male fertilizes. Spawning occurs repetitively.<br />
<br />
In the intertidal location where this pair were photographed, the mud and gravel substrate contained pockets of air, which were sometimes released when the horseshoe crabs became active. The escaped gas bubbled up and emerged from the muck, sometimes passing through the carapace of the female, resulting in the illusion of exhalation, as pictured here.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • These spider crabs are relatively common throughout Southeast Asia. They resemble another type of undescribed Oncinopus sp., which is hairy and are commonly referred to as orangutan crabs (often incorrectly identified as Achaeus japonicus, which is a different species). These crabs do not have hair, however. They appear spongy, ranging from pale red to yellow in color. In addition, their eyes are white, whereas the eyes of orangutan crabs are red. These crabs also tend to be out in the open, while orangutan crabs are most often found in association with bubble coral or anemones. The stance, demeanor and gait of these crabs remind me of King Kong, hence my nickname for them, King Kong crabs.
    undescribed-oncinopus-crab-king-kong...tif
  • These are developing embryos of endangered Japanese horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus), 3mm to 4mm in size. Eggs molt during the development, as can be seen here. The stage of development is perhaps four to six weeks after spawning took place.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • Pictured here are developing embryos of endangered Japanese horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus). These eggs are on the cusp of hatching, approximately two months after they were deposited. The embryos are mobile inside the eggs, moving their legs and turning in circles. By this stage, the eggs are about 5mm in diameter.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a pair of endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) preparing to spawn. The larger female in front has chosen a place to deposit eggs. She has just commenced digging. The bubbles are the result of pockets of air trapped in the mud and gravel being released due to the female’s excavation. Spawning takes place in the intertidal zone, which is the reason that air is present in the sediment. The smaller male is firmly affixed to the female’s opisthosoma. He will fertilize the eggs she deposits, and then the pair will move on to find another location to spawn again.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.<br />
<br />
Synthetic substitute tests have been available since 2003. The biomedical industry has however been reluctant to discontinue the practice of bleeding live animals.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a pair of tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) walking across the ocean bottom in shallow water just prior to spawning. The smaller male uses modified legs (pedipalps) to grasp onto the female in front. The female has just started to burrow into the substrate, a process which involves digging deep enough to bury the front part of her body (Prosoma) and much of her abdominal area (Opisthosoma) as well. When she eventually reaches acceptable depth and deposits eggs, the male will fertilize them. Females often deposit several clutches of eggs in the same general area before moving on to do the same in different locations.<br />
<br />
Note the gastropod riding on the female’s head. Shells, barnacles and other similar passengers seem relatively common on these horseshoe crabs.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a pair of tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) walking across the ocean bottom in shallow water just prior to spawning. The smaller male uses modified legs (pedipalps) to grasp onto the female in front. The female has just started to burrow into the substrate, a process which involves digging deep enough to bury the front part of her body (Prosoma) and much of her abdominal area (Opisthosoma) as well. When she eventually reaches acceptable depth and deposits eggs, the male will fertilize them. Females often deposit several clutches of eggs in the same general area before moving on to do the same in different locations.<br />
<br />
In the shallow intertidal area where this photograph was taken, pockets of air were trapped in the gravel and mud. Digging by female horseshoe crabs sometimes releases some of the air, as seen in this image. Note also the gastropod riding on the female’s head. Shells, barnacles and other passengers seem to be relatively common on these horseshoe crabs.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a pair of tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) walking across the ocean bottom in shallow water just prior to spawning. The smaller male uses modified legs (pedipalps) to grasp onto the female in front. The male stays attached in this manner throughout the reproductive season, going wherever the female goes.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.<br />
<br />
Synthetic substitute tests have been available since 2003. The biomedical industry has however been reluctant to discontinue the practice of bleeding live animals.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a pair of endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) preparing to spawn. The larger female in front has chosen a place to deposit eggs. She has just commenced digging. The bubbles streaming up from between her prosoma and opisthosoma are the result of pockets of air trapped in the mud and gravel being released due to the female’s excavation. Spawning takes place in the intertidal zone, which is the reason that air is present in the sediment. The smaller male is firmly affixed to the female’s opisthosoma. He will fertilize the eggs she deposits, and then the pair will move on to find another location to spawn again.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • These are endangered tri-spine horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) moving across the ocean floor together prior to engaging in spawning. The larger female is in front, the smaller male attached to the rear. <br />
<br />
During spring high tide, pairs like this move to shallow water. They remain largely motionless, though they do move from time to time as depicted here. When the time comes for spawning, the female digs into the substrate and deposits a clutch of eggs, which the male fertilizes. Spawning occurs repetitively.<br />
<br />
Although these animals are called crabs, they are not members of the Subphylum Crustacea. They belong to a separate Subphylum—Chelicerata—which also comprises sea spiders, arachnids, and several extinct lineages such as sea scorpions. The earliest known fossils of horseshoe crabs date back 450 million years ago, qualifying these animals as living fossils, as they have remained largely unchanged.<br />
<br />
Tachypleus tridentatus is the largest of the four living species of these marine arthropods, all of which are endangered.<br />
<br />
Though habitat loss and overharvesting of these animals for food are primary contributors to the population decline of horseshoe crabs, the biomedical industry is also a major factor. Horseshoe crabs are bled for their amoebocytes (akin to white blood cells), which are used to derive an extract that reacts in the presence endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, which is found in the membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Estimates suggest that between three and 30% of the animals die as a result. There have also been suggestions that taking up to a third of each animal's blood adversely affects their ability to undertake vital functions, such as procreation, even if the animals survive.<br />
<br />
Synthetic substitute tests have been available since 2003. The biomedical industry has however been reluctant to discontinue the practice of bleeding live animals.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • Horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) generally move in a measured, relatively slow manner, when they move at all. When females emerge after spawning however, they occasionally do so with surprising speed and force, as seen here. The female in the foreground has lifted herself out of the gravel and mud in one rapid motion, creating this momentary effervescence from the release of small pockets of air that had been trapped in the substrate.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • The birth of endangered Japanese horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) can be a chaotic process. The juveniles are small, in the range of 5mm to 7mm. They are not agile or adept swimmers. As they crawl out of the muck, many are pushed, pulled and spun by waves and currents. Some get entangled among themselves. And on occasion, bubbles of air released from the substrate knock them flat on their backs.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This scene depicts the birth of juvenile endangered Japanese horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus). During spawning, an adult female deposits clusters of dozens of eggs, which are fertilized by a male that is attached to the female during the spawning season. The gestation period is approximately two months. Juveniles emerge at the same time, sometimes individually, sometimes in groups.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • Pictured here are developing embryos of endangered Japanese horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus), about 5mm in diameter. The membranes of some eggs have started to dissolve, indicating that they are on the cusp of hatching, approximately two months after the eggs were deposited.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • Pictured here are developing embryos of endangered Japanese horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus), about 5mm in diameter. The membranes of some eggs have started to dissolve, indicating that they are on the cusp of hatching, approximately two months after the eggs were deposited.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • The birth of endangered Japanese horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus) can be a chaotic process. The juveniles are small, in the range of 5mm to 7mm. They are not agile or adept swimmers. As they crawl out of the muck, many are pushed, pulled and spun by waves and currents. Some get entangled among themselves.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This scene depicts the birth of juvenile endangered Japanese horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus). During spawning, an adult female deposits clusters of dozens of eggs, which are fertilized by a male that is attached to the female during the spawning season. The gestation period is approximately two months. Juveniles emerge at the same time, sometimes one by one, sometimes in groups like this.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • There are eggs of endangered Japanese horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus), between 2mm and 3mm in diameter. The eggs are were deposited in shallow gravel and mud about a month prior to this photograph. As the eggs develop, they grow to around 5mm in diameter and the membranes become transparent, revealing the developing embryos inside.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • Pictured here are developing embryos of endangered Japanese horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus). These eggs are on the cusp of hatching, approximately two months after they were deposited. The embryos are mobile inside the eggs, paddling with their legs and turning in circles. By this stage, the eggs are about 5mm in diameter.
    tachypleus-tridentatus-horseshoe-cra...tif
  • This is a pair of Pagurus brachiomastus hermit crabs. The male on the right is holding on to the female on the left. During the reproductive season, males grasp females in this manner. Other males approach to challenge, often resulting in a protracted tussle, with the victorious male claiming the female.
    pagurus-brachiomastus-hermit-crab-re...tif
  • Portunid swimming crabs mating at night in Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The male crab is on top. The female crab is underneath, flipped upside down.
    portunid-swimming-crabs-mating-at-ni...tif
  • Portunid swimming crabs mating at night in Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The male crab is on top. The female crab is underneath, flipped upside down.
    portunid-swimming-crabs-mating-at-ni...tif
  • This is a juvenile deep-sea crab, Paralomis multispina. This species is known from the waters of Japan across to Alaska and down to California. It is one of many species of the king crab genus Paralomis. This juvenile was about 7cm in size. It was brought up from a depth of 1000m in Suruga Bay, Japan. The Japanese name is Ezo-Ibarabani.
    paralomis-multispina-king-crab-juven...tif
  • This is a pair of mud crabs (Scylla sp.) preparing to mate in the late summer. The male is on top, with the female upside-down beneath.
    scylla-mud-crabs-mating-japan-202208...tif
  • This is a pair of mud crabs (Scylla sp.) preparing to mate in the late summer. The male is on top, with the female upside-down beneath.
    scylla-mud-crabs-mating-japan-202208...tif
  • Cute coral crab (Trapezia sp.) in pretty mint-colored hard coral (Acropora sp.)
    cute-Trapezia_crab-in-coral-ambon-20..tiff
  • Two Paguritta coral hermit crabs looking out at the world from their burrows in a coral formation.
    Paguritta-coral-hermit-crabs-eastern...tif
  • This is a red-spotted blenny (Blenniella chrysospilos) poking its head out of its home in the coral, with two coral hermit crabs (Paguritta sp.) visible in the background. The blenny's home is the abandoned burrow of a vermetid gastropod, Dendropoma maximum.
    blenniella-chrysospilos-red-spotted-...tif
  • A crab-eyed goby in shallow water at Ngchuus Beach, Ngeruktabel Island, Palau
    crab-eyed-goby-signigobius-biocellat...tif
  • Profile of a crab-eye goby (Signigobius biocellatus), a small fish that swims in a stuttered back-and-forth motion. This unique pattern of motion is said to be reminiscent of the side-to-side movement pattern that is characteristic of crabs. with the large signature spots on the fish’s dorsal fins resembling eyes.
    crab-eye goby-signigobius-biocellatu...tif
  • This is a small crab infested with a Sacculina barnacle parasite, a genus of barnacles that is a parasitic castrator of crabs. These barnacles are pelagic during their larval stage. Female larvae seek out host crabs. Once a suitable host is located, the female barnacle attaches to a joint area, molts into a form known as a kentrogon, and then injects its soft body into the crab, discarding its hard shell in the process. Once inside, the Sacculina develops into two parts: the interna, which comprises root-like threads that wrap around the crab’s internal organs; and the externa, which is a bulbous reproductive organ that protrudes from the crab’s abdomen, as pictured here. Male Sacculina barnacles inject themselves into a pocket in the female’s body in order to undertake the sole function of producing spermatozoa to fertilize the female. In other words, the male becomes parasitic to the female, which is parasitic to the crab. Once infected, a crab is unable to molt, though it otherwise functions normally. Nutrition that the crab ingests is siphoned off by the barnacle. Even more amazing, when a female Sacculina sets upon a male crab, as pictured here, it sterilizes the crab and causes the male crab to release hormones that cause the shape of the body to change such that it more resembles a female crab, with wider, flatter abdomen. The formerly male crab can even act like a female, performing female mating dances. When the female Sacculina is ready to release her brood into the water, she causes her host crab to do exactly what a female crab would normally do to release her own eggs. Namely, the crab finds high ground, grooms the brooding pouch on its abdomen and shoots out clouds of larvae via the hole visible at the center of the abdominal area, using its claws to stir the water to assist the newborn larvae, in this case barnacle larvae, not crabs. Once infected, a crab devotes its life to the reproduction of Sacculina. There are more than 100 species of Saccu
    sacculina-barnacle-infested-male-cra...tif
  • This is a small crab infested with a Sacculina barnacle parasite, a genus of barnacles that is a parasitic castrator of crabs. These barnacles are pelagic during their larval stage. Female larvae seek out host crabs. Once a suitable host is located, the female barnacle attaches to a joint area, molts into a form known as a kentrogon, and then injects its soft body into the crab, discarding its hard shell in the process. Once inside, the Sacculina develops into two parts: the interna, which comprises root-like threads that wrap around the crab’s internal organs; and the externa, which is a bulbous reproductive organ that protrudes from the crab’s abdomen, as pictured here. Male Sacculina barnacles inject themselves into a pocket in the female’s body in order to undertake the sole function of producing spermatozoa to fertilize the female. In other words, the male becomes parasitic to the female, which is parasitic to the crab. Once infected, a crab is unable to molt, though it otherwise functions normally. Nutrition that the crab ingests is siphoned off by the barnacle. Even more amazing, when a female Sacculina sets upon a male crab, as pictured here, it sterilizes the crab and causes the male crab to release hormones that cause the shape of the body to change such that it more resembles a female crab, with wider, flatter abdomen. The formerly male crab can even act like a female, performing female mating dances. When the female Sacculina is ready to release her brood into the water, she causes her host crab to do exactly what a female crab would normally do to release her own eggs. Namely, the crab finds high ground, grooms the brooding pouch on its abdomen and shoots out clouds of larvae via the hole visible at the center of the abdominal area, using its claws to stir the water to assist the newborn larvae, in this case barnacle larvae, not crabs. Once infected, a crab devotes its life to the reproduction of Sacculina. There are more than 100 species of Saccu
    sacculina-barnacle-infested-male-cra...tif
  • This veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) was hiding in a shell, and reached out to grab a small crab when it walked by. The crab struggled in vain for some time, before being devoured by the octopus. Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.
    veined-octopus-Amphioctopus-marginat...tif
  • Hasegawa-san setting crab traps for deep-sea king crabs in Suruga Bay. Here he is throwing a newly baited trap into the water as part of a series of twenty connected traps.
    hasegawa-san-throwing-deep-sea-crab-...tif
  • Hasegawa-san working the lines while bringing up crab traps from a depth of 1000 meters in Suruga Bay, Japan
    hasegawa-san-crab-trap-lines-japan-2...tif
  • Hasegawa-san concentrating on bringing hundreds of meters of line back onto his fishing boat in an organized manner. The line was attached to traps set for catching crabs at 700m to 1000m depth in Suruga Bay, Japan.
    hasegawa-reeling-in-crab-trap-line-j...tif
  • Hasegawa-san on the deck of his fishing vessel, looking over lines used for working with deep-sea crab traps.
    hasegawa-san-crab-trap-lines-japan-2...tif
  • This sequence depicts a veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) using a broken bottle as a portable shelter. The octopus was carrying a small crab that it had caught for a meal. Image 3 in a series of 15.<br />
.
    amphioctopus-marginatus-bottle-indon...tif
  • This sequence depicts a veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) using a broken bottle as a portable shelter. The octopus was carrying a small crab that it had caught for a meal. Image 8 in a series of 15.
    amphioctopus-marginatus-bottle-indon...tif
  • This sequence depicts a veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) using a broken bottle as a portable shelter. The octopus was carrying a small crab that it had caught for a meal. Image 14 in a series of 15.
    amphioctopus-marginatus-bottle-indon...tif
  • This sequence depicts a veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) using a broken bottle as a portable shelter. The octopus was carrying a small crab that it had caught for a meal. Image 11 in a series of 15.
    amphioctopus-marginatus-bottle-indon...tif
  • This sequence depicts a veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) using a broken bottle as a portable shelter. The octopus was carrying a small crab that it had caught for a meal. Image 9 in a series of 15.
    amphioctopus-marginatus-bottle-indon...tif
  • This sequence depicts a veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) using a broken bottle as a portable shelter. The octopus was carrying a small crab that it had caught for a meal. Image 6 in a series of 15.
    amphioctopus-marginatus-bottle-indon...tif
  • This sequence depicts a veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) using a broken bottle as a portable shelter. The octopus was carrying a small crab that it had caught for a meal. Image 15 in a series of 15.
    amphioctopus-marginatus-bottle-indon...tif
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Tony Wu Underwater Photography

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