Here in Lembeh, we have crabs. Though full of exotic fish and cephalopods, Lembeh offers a wide variety of crustaceans as well.

The idea of crabs may not seem that exciting at first, though these odd fellas in Lembeh I’m sure could change your mind. They vary in size, color, shape, habits, and in many other ways, which make the search for them both challenging and rewarding.

For example the beautiful and not so camouflaged Zebra crab (Zebrida Adamsii). As it’s name implies the white and black zebra pattern of this crab gives it away, especially because it is most commonly found on the backs of fire urchins. Here it grooms the Urchin eating food particles that are caught in the spines.

Another would be the more commonly seen, but still hilariously looking, Orangutan Crab (Achaeus Japonicus). They can be seen all over, living in bubble coral, anemones, or even just around the grass/sand. They are most noticeable by the reddish/brown hair covering its arms and body. The hair helps catch plankton which they groom out and eat.

A favorite is the carrier crab (Homolidae). These fun guys definitely thought out of the box when looking for a way of protection. Many types of crab have great camouflage, others bury themselves in the sand, where as the carrier crab prefer to just carry a deterrent wherever they go. They use their back pair of legs to hold things over their head as a form of defense. Around Lembeh they can be seen running around with fire urchins, upside-down jellyfish, and other comical things.

These are just a few of the many crabs seen here in Lembeh this week. We have return guests Chris, Ernie, and Kaittlinn out photographing with Chris diving CCR, being able to get right up close to the critters. As well Tom and Karen who have been coming back for years, still excited to jump in and check out all the things we have been seeing: Nudies galore, Ambon Scorpionfish, Hairy Frogfish, Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Octopus, and so much more.