Chelae Collection

Samurai crab (Heikea japonica). This crab is native to Japan, where it is known as the Samurai crab or Heikegani, and lives at a depth of 30 to 100 metres

Male helmet crab (Corystes cassivelaunus). This crab lives at a depth of 10-20 metres in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Adriatic Sea

Orange Crab Moving Along The Sand

Illustration of ventral surface male crab showing apron or abdomen, thorax, and large claws

Underside of Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus)

Front view of Edible Crab

Stone crab. Front view of an Aethra scruposa stone crab, showing its spiny upper shell (carapace). This crab lives in the Indian Ocean around Mauritius and the Mascarene Islands

Mangrove crab (Ucides cordatus). This crab lives in colonies amongst the mangroves and mudbanks along the Atlantic coast of South America. The carapace (shell) of this specimen measures 10cm wide

Pebble crab (Etisus utilis). This crab lives at a depth of 10-15 metres in the Indo-Pacific regions. Its carapace (upper shell)

Shame-faced crab (Calappa calappa). This crab lives at a depth of 10-50 metres in the Indo-Pacific regions. Shame-faced crabs are so-named due to the way the crabs chelae (claws)

Lissa ciragra crab. This crab lives at a depth of 30-60 metres in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. The carapace (shell) of this specimen measures 5cm wide

Glyptoxanthus labyrinthicus crab. This crab is found on reefs along the Pacific coast of South America. Its carapace (upper shell) is covered in a series of channels (shown here)

Great spider crab and bryozoa. Great spider crab (Hyas araneus) carrying a bryozoan colony. This crab lives at a depth of 500-2000 metres in Atlantic waters and the North Sea

Male fiddler crab (Uca tetragonon). This crab is found throughout Polynesia. Male fiddler crabs (Uca sp.) communicate to rivals and potential mates by a sequence of waves

Ghost crab (Ocypode cursor). This crab is found on sandy beaches along the coasts of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and eastern Mediterranean Sea

Carrier crab (Homolochunia kullar). This crab lives at a depth of 500-1000 metres in the Pacific Ocean around New Caledonia and Eastern Australia. Unusually, it has rear and front pincers

Calthrop crab (Rhinolambrus contrarius). This crab lives at a depth of 50-60 metres in Indonesia and the West Pacific. The carapace (shell) of this specimen measures 4cm wide

Red frog crab (Ranina ranina). This edible crab lives at a depth of 10-15 metres on the sea bed of the Indo-West Pacific, from the African east coast to Japan and across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii

Moon crab (Matuta victor). This swimming crab is found in the Indo-West Pacific and has legs that are flattened to enable it to swim efficiently through the water

Male Poupinia hirsuta crab. This crab lives at a depth of around 450 metres in Polynesia. The discovery of Poupinia hirsuta was a great scientific event for carcinologists (specialists in crabs)

Guard crab (Trapezia rufopunctata). This crab lives on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, Maldives and Polynesia. The carapace (shell) of this specimen measures 2cm wide

Human-faced crab (Dorippe quadridens). This crab is found at a depth of 30-100 metres, throughout the South China Sea, Vietnam and the Indopacific, from Madagascar to Australia

Spotted rock crab (Carpilius maculatus). This edible crab lives at a depth of 10-15 metres in the Indo-West Pacific. Its carapace (upper shell)

European scorpion (Euscorpius flavicaudis), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Scorpions belong to the arachnid family, having eight legs and a body divided into two segments

Scorpion (Opistopthalmus karrooensis) on a rock. This scorpion is also known as the shiny burrowing scorpion, as it digs and shelters in burrows that can be up to a metre deep and a metre

Small asian crab, SEM
Small asian crab, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). View from above of a crab, showing its large claws (chelae) and hard, knobbly shell (exoskeleton)

Small asian crab, SEM
Small asian crab, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). View from above of a crab, showing its large claws (chelae) and hard, knobbly shell (exoskeleton)

Head of a scorpion, SEM
Head of a scorpion, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Scorpions belong to the arachnid family, having eight legs and a body divided into two segments

Scorpion, SEM
Scorpion, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Scorpions belong to the arachnid family, having eight legs and a body divided into two segments

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Chelae, also known as the mighty claws of the crustacean world, are a fascinating feature found in various crab species. From the formidable Samurai crab to the armored Male helmet crab, these creatures showcase an impressive array adaptations. One can't help but marvel at the intricate details captured in an illustration of a male crab's ventral surface, revealing its apron or abdomen, thorax, and those unmistakably large claws. These powerful appendages serve multiple purposes - from defense against predators to capturing prey with precision. The underside of an Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus) offers a glimpse into nature's artistry with its textured shell and intricately patterned chelae. As this orange-hued creature gracefully moves along the sand, it showcases both strength and grace in equal measure. A front view of another Edible Crab reminds us why these creatures have earned their name. Its robust body and vibrant coloration make for quite a sight against any backdrop. The Stone crab takes on a different approach with its rugged appearance and sturdy chelae that allow it to crush shells effortlessly. Intriguingly named Calthrop crabs boast uniquely shaped chelae resembling medieval weapons used for puncturing tires – adding yet another layer to their already captivating presence. Sponge crabs take camouflage to new heights by adorning themselves with bits of sponge that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Mangrove crabs navigate through tangled roots using their dexterous chelae while Pebble crabs skillfully manipulate small stones as protective shields against potential threats. Each adaptation serves as a testament to nature's ingenuity when it comes to survival strategies within diverse habitats. Whether you find yourself captivated by the sheer power displayed by Samurai crabs or enchanted by the delicate beauty exhibited by Sponge crabs, one thing is certain: it can not just ordinary claws; they represent evolution's masterpiece in the world of crustaceans.