Fiddler Crab
Oct 7th, 2008 by Karthik
“Look at these crabs – they have a large pink pincer!” exclaimed one of my friends with whom I was walking along a path along the waterside vegetation on the coast. “Could they be Fiddler Crabs?” was the thought that passed through my head when I heard the description. I looked through my binoculars and they were indeed the famous Fiddler Crabs! I had heard of Fiddler Crabs and their colourful pincers and had even seen some films of their spectacular displays. But this was the first time that I had a chance to see this for myself.
While still at a distance, we saw blobs of bright pink moving on the ground. But as we approached closer, they all disappeared – even as we were watching, they retreated quickly into their burrows! Having realised that movement was the cause for them to retreat into their burrows, I decided to stay put near one of the burrows hoping to a get a picture. Three-quarters of an hour of motionless wait passed; I had cramps in my legs. Finally, I got a few pictures of these pretty creatures. I am sharing one of them with all of you.
Where are they found, Karthik?
Hi Arun,
They are found is many of the coastal areas including coastal areas supporting mangrove forests. This picture was taken near Karwar.
Wonderful photograph. I just had one question, what are the crabs we normally see on all beaches called?
Lovely pic, Karthik. I wish the write-up had been longer though …
Karthik,
I am brought up in the countries. Have seen many of the crabs. Also seen the hermit crabs in Triprayar (North Kerala.) But taking a picture and watching it could give so much joy, never thought so. I think , in my mother toungue, this is known as “Sitar crab.” What I have heard is, when the Pink leg is broken, then vestigeal one grows into a bigger pincer and the broken one grows into a vestigeal one. Not sure, if this is correct.
I had read about these and seen one image on INW but didn’t know this much about them! Hope one day to see these Yehudi Menuhin/Lalgudi Jayaramans!