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| Phylum Arthropoda > Subphylum Crustacea > Class Malacostraca > Order Decapoda > Brachyurans > Superfamily Majoidea |
| Velcro
crab Camposcia retusa Family Inachidae updated May 09
Where seen? This superbly disguised crab is commonly encountered on our Northern shores, on coral rubble and seagrasse areas. But it requires a keen eye to spot! Features: Body width 3-6cm. Body tear-drop shaped with a pointed head. Often all you can see is its tiny eyes and very short antennae. This crab snips off bits of sponges and seaweed or selects suitable shells and debris. These are then stuck firmly onto the fine, hooked hairs which densely cover its body and legs and thus act like the 'velcro' after which it is named. Some seem to stick on a protruding 'head gear' on their heads. These 'decorations' not only camouflage the crab, but the distasteful nature of some sponges might also give predators second thoughts about taking a bite out of the crab. The attached sponges and algae often continue to grow. Tiny animals might settle on the sponges. What does it eat? Relying on its disguise, the crab moves slowly, feeding on small creatures. Its dainty narrow feeding pincers are often the only parts of its body left unadorned. |
 Upperside Chek Jawa, Aug 05  Some have a protruding 'head gear' |
They attach living sponges and seaweeds as a disguise.
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 Underside |
 Pincers are undecorated. |
Velcro crabs on Singapore shores
 Chek Jawa, Jul 03 |
 Chek Jawa, Jun 06 |
 Chek Jawa, Jun 03 |
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