Flame box crab or shamefaced crab
Scientific name: Calappa flammea
Description: The shamefaced crabs have very large front appendages essentially covering its face and eyes as if in a state of shame hence the name. They are generally pale with some brown-orange stripes along the carapace.The crab will use its front appendages to scoop sand forward and hide within the space created. Their eyes are turned upward in order to see potential prey swimming above its head. Once prey is captured with its strong claws, there is no escape. Shame faced crabs love to feed on snails.
Fun Facts:
- They use their very sharp left claw to grip snails and continuously twist to cut through the shell like a can-opener!
- The appendages create a seal and are used to expel a jet of water almost a foot long through the sand in order to take a breath while buried!
