Velcro Crab

The often-overlooked velcro crab has the unique behaviour of decorating itself as a form of protection! To camouflage seamlessly, the velcro crab attaches bits of debris, shells, seaweed, or even sponges to its body using tiny, hooked hairs that work just like velcro! Fascinatingly, some of the attached algae and sponges can still continue growing while attached onto the body of the crab, and other animals may even find shelter on the sponges. Unfortunately, the velcro crab is listed as “Near-Threatened” in Singapore, possibly due to its popularity in the aquarium trade.