TRUE CRABS (BRACHYURANS)

The true crabs are amongst the most successful and enterprising animals adapted to a wide range of aquatic habitats. Their squat bodies with gills enclosed in a tight fitting carapace, and scuttling movement on raised legs has permitted then to invade the sea shore and the land. Terrestrial crabs include the Coconut Crab.

Our specimens include the bottom-dwelling Japanese Spider Crab, the largest living arthropod; the Decorator Crab, which disguises itself by fixing bits of seaweed onto itself.

A selection of smaller crabs (from left to right), the Swimming Crab Portunus puber; the Masked Crab, the Fiddler Crab, the Chinese Mitten Crab and the Land Crab.