Common Hairy Crab

No, the common hairy crab is not the same species as the edible “hairy crab” that you can find in some restaurants in Singapore! At only 3-5cm large, this crab is not only much smaller than the “hairy crab” we eat as seafood, but it is also much cuter. In fact, the common hairy crab is also known as the teddy bear crab due to its fuzzy appearance!

But its furry look is not just for show. The long hairs of the common hairy crab are perfect for trapping dirt and concealing the shape of its body. This helps the crab to blend in among the rocks and rubble, allowing it to remain hidden in plain sight! When threatened, it will flee into the nearest hole or slit to escape danger. And despite its fluffy appearance, this crab is not defenseless! By eating poisonous zoanthids and absorbing their toxins, the common hairy crab can even be slightly poisonous, discouraging predators from taking a bite! So, don’t look down on this “teddy bear”!