The flat hind legs of the crab allow you to swim quickly and help catch prey faster. These paddles also allow crabs to swim in water up to 10 meters deep, providing a wider hunting range than other crab species that can be limited to shallow waters.
What is a paddle club?
Asian paddle crabs are relatively large swimming crabs with paddle-like hind legs. Adult shells can reach up to 12 cm in diameter and are covered with small hairs (not always visible). Adults also have six different spines or spines on either side of the carapace under the eyes.
Why do blue crabs have paddles?
The Blue Swimmer Crab has large clawed front legs that are used for both hunting and defense. The hind legs are small and shaped like a paddle, making it a powerful swimmer. The upper part of their shell is known as the shell (ca-ra-pace). The shell is wide, flat and bordered by sharp tooth-like ridges.
Which family of swimming crabs has a paddle on their last leg?
Blue crabs are swimming crabs. Their last pair of feet has been changed to a flat paddle-shaped appendage called a swimmerlet that helps the crabs swim. They usually swim sideways, but sometimes backwards and sometimes forwards.
How do crabs swim?
Some crabs swim. Most crabs, such as stone crabs and majidaes, walk and run on the bottom. However, crabs of the blue crab family have specially modified hind legs called swimmerets. These paddle-shaped legs rotate at 20-40 revolutions per minute, allowing crabs to swim quickly in the water.
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