Best viewed Large for full effect.
About 850 species of crab are freshwater, terrestrial or semi-terrestrial species they are found throughout the world’s tropical and semi-tropical regions. Crabs typically walk sideways (a behaviour which gives us the word crabwise). This is because of the articulation of the legs which makes a sidelong gait more efficient. However, some crabs prefer to walk forwards or backwards, including raninids, Libinia emarginata and Mictyris platycheles. Some crabs, notably the Portunidae and Matutidae, are also capable of swimming. Crabs are mostly active animals with complex behaviour patterns. They can communicate by drumming or waving their pincers. Crabs tend to be aggressive towards one another and males often fight to gain access to females. On rocky seashores, where nearly all caves and crevices are occupied, crabs may also fight over hiding holes. Crabs are omnivores, feeding primarily on algae, and taking any other food, including molluscs, worms, other crustaceans, fungi, bacteria and detritus, depending on their availability and the crab species. For many crabs, a mixed diet of plant and animal matter results in the fastest growth and greatest fitness. Crabs are known to work together to provide food and protection for their family, and during mating season to find a comfortable spot for the female to release her eggs.
This little crab perched on a mussel shell was smaller than my thumb nail, it was fascinating to observe him with the empty shell in his claws. No dinner for him on that plate….
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 April 2011
Aww!! My Dinner Plate Is Empty!!

crabs, mussels, shells, orange crab, tiny crab, small crab, new zealand, southland, unique photography, post cards, framed prints, laminated prints, canvas prints, red bubble, andreael, wildlife, nature, bird photography, art sales, gift ideas, great gifts, unique gifts, birthday gifts, nature photography, nz photography, special moments, natural photography, mounted prints, motivation, insparation, friendship, sucess and love
My fascination with birds began as a child and almost 50 years down the track my love for our feathered friends has not diminished. Once we moved to Tranquillity (our little country retreat) my passion for birds, all nature and wildlife became a digital reality through the lens of my camera.
View Full Profile
Comments
A great shot and a very interesting Narrative young Lady.
Thank you Malcolm for your lovely kind comment, very much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed the Narrative.
– AndreaEL
Thank you Ann
– AndreaEL
lovely red little crab:) great find. great picture!!
Thank you Lisa for your lovely kind comment, very much appreciated.
– AndreaEL
Thank you Ray for your lovely kind comment, very much appreciated.
– AndreaEL
Beautiful colours & detail Andrea :)
Thank you Tania for your lovely kind comment, very much appreciated.
– AndreaEL
Beautiful, what a brightly coloured little chap, well spotted Andrea and as always, great information!
Thank you Meladana for your lovely kind comment, very much appreciated.
– AndreaEL
clever shot , love title
Thank you Lynn for your lovely kind comment, very much appreciated.
– AndreaEL
Excellent work, the colors and details are great.
Thank you Byron for your lovely kind comment, very much appreciated.
– AndreaEL
what a wonderful shot!
Thank you Linda for your lovely kind comment, very much appreciated.
– AndreaEL