#867: Yeti Crab

This "furry lobster", the Yeti Crab, was only discovered in 2005. His appendages are covered in a fur-like setae, which contains filamentous bacteria. It is thought this may detoxify poisonous minerals from his environment, given he is often found near hypothermic vents.

#854: Yabby

The Yabby is a small Australian crayfish, found in freshwater, such as streams, rivers, reservoirs and dams.  He can be found in ephemeral pools and can lie dormant for several years in dry conditions. Nocturnal, he feeds on detritus such as algae, plant matter and decaying animal matter. During the summer months he becomes more active, and fishing for yabbies - using a piece of meat tied with string - is a popular activity. As he is Vulnerable to extinction, catch size restrictions are in place.

#842: Woodlouse

Woodlice are isopodic, (mostly) terrestrial crustaceans with many names, including slaters (which is what we always used to call them, here in NZ) and pill bugs. The latter cames from the ability of some species to roll themselves up into a protective ball when threatened. This fine speciman is a rosy woodlouse, her species ranges from the British Isles to North Africa. The female woodlouse carries her eggs in a special pouch on her underside. These hatch into white, miniature versions of the adult. She is generally found in damp, dark places where she feeds on decaying plant matter.

814: Walpole Burrowing Crayfish

The Walpole Burrowing Crayfish is one of five burrowing crayfish species in the engaewa Genus, all of which are found in the southern corner of Western Australia. Walpole Burrowing Crayfish occurs in a very limited range, and as such is classified as Endangered. This tiny crayfish grow up to 50mm in length. He inhabits peat moss, swamps, and other areas with a heightened water table, but does not live under water.

#681: Sandhopper

Sandhoppers belong to the subphylum Crustacea, and are terrestrial amphipods. By flexing his abdomen, she can leap several inches into the air, although she cannot control the direction of his leap. During the day, she buries herself in sand above the tidal line (as far down as 50 cm), emerging at night to forage amongst beach detritus cast up by the falling tide. Her diet consists mainly of rotting seaweed. She mates during this time, carrying her brood of eggs. When these hatch, the juveniles must live in damp seaweed to avoid dessication.

#604: Prawn

Prawn is the general name given to large swimming crustaceans or shrimp, especially those which commonly find their way onto menus. It is more frequently used in the UK than the USA. In most species, the eggs are laid directly into the water and no parental care is given. These hatch into tiny free-swimming larvae, and then grow through several moults into their adult form. Prawns follow an opportunistic omnivorous diet, ranging from small detritus particles up into larger organisms, including small fish.

Creature Feature #511: Niphargus

Niphargus are eyeless amphipods, distributed across the freshwater streams of western Europe. The smallest species measures mere millimetres, with the largest reaching up to 3.5 cms. Many species are detritivores or scavengers,  with others feeding on algae. They can be found in ground water or caves, in regions that were not covered, historically, be the Pleistocene  ice sheets. Many of the species are classified as "vulnerable" as their habitats are small, easily fragmented or polluted.

Creature Feature #450: Mantis Shrimp

Mantis Shrimps are  powerful crustaceans and some species can measure over 30 cm in length. They come in a variety of colours, and are very important marine predators. They are characterised by their front claws which come in two varieties: spearers and smashers. When hunting, the Mantis Shrimp strikes his prey with rapid speed and astonishing force - so strong that they have been known to smash through the glass of aquariums. The speed of the strike is so great that not only is the prey struck with the appendage, it is also struck with a cavitation bubble caused by the force generated (which essentially creates a shock wave). The Mantis Shrimp also has elaborate eyes, the most complex in the animal kingdom.

Creature Feature #430: Lobster

The Lobster is a marine Crustacean, with a long body, muscular tail and equipped with an impressive pair of chelae (claws).* He lurks in burrows or crevices on the sea bed, feasting on live prey such as molluscs, annelids, fish and occasionally plant matter. Cannibalism is not unknown, especially in captivity. Lobster are long-lived, and may reach 70 years of age, growing in size as they age. Older Lobsters may be more fertile than younger ones. Lobster are highly valued as a food source by humans, although the eating of them was considered a mark of poverty until well within the twentieth century when they suddenly became regarded as a delicacy.

 This is a European Lobster.


* The clawless Spiny Lobster are not closely related and shall be dealt with independently.