The yeti crab was discovered in the deep, dark waters of the Pacific relatively recently, in 2005, and its scientific name is Kiwa hirsuta, after a Goddess from Polynesian mythology. It is a decapod crustacean that measures approximately 15 centimeters in length and whose main characteristics are its whitish color, the absence of eyes and long tweezers covered with silky filaments that greatly resemble the appearance of soft fur or feathers. It is also known as hairy crab.
The investigations carried out since its discovery have provided amazing data about this species and in this article on our site we talk about the characteristics of the yeti crab.
Yeti Crab Habitat
The yeti crab was discovered in the hydrothermal vents of the submarine ridge located in the Great Pacific-Antarctic Ridge, so it is it considers that this is its only habitat, although the species is still being studied.
Physical Characteristics of the Yeti Crab
The yeti crab is so peculiar that it is not related to the crab family, but to the lobster family, however, it also has important similarities with the rest of the species belonging to this group, being a clear example of this the tweezers.
Crabs' front legs are equipped with pincers that are very useful for feeding and defending themselves from possible predators, as well as for displaying themselves in mating rituals. The main characteristic and difference of the yeti crab's claws is that they are covered with silky filaments, but what does this characteristic of the yeti crab imply?
The yeti crab's claws are covered with silks or silky filaments that give it a characteristic appearance that is as whitish as it is hairy, hence the yeti nickname Now, what is hidden behind the silky filaments present in the claws of the yeti crab? Multitude of colonies of bacteria that live in symbiosis. A symbiotic relationship, between the bacteria of the crab and the yeti crab itself, implies a beneficial relationship for both, although in this case it has not yet been clarified how this symbiosis benefits the crab.
Without a doubt, its peculiar claws and its white color are the most characteristic physical features of the yeti crab, which does not measure more than 15 cm, as we have already pointed out above.
What are yeti crab bacteria used for?
The first theory that was floated after the discovery of the yeti crab was that these colonies of bacteria would be useful for cleaning the water of toxic substancesand although this statement is not wrong, the theory could later be completed, thus defining more functions of the bacterial colonies in their symbiosis with the crab.
Some time later a crab very similar to the yeti crab was discovered, which was scientifically called Kiwa puravida and thanks to this specimen it was discovered that the multiple colonies of bacteria in its claws were useful to the yeti crabI eat food.
Yeti Crab Feeding
Studies conducted so far indicate that the yeti crab is a carnivorous animal due to the anatomy of its digestive system. However, the exact nature of its diet is not yet known, since it is also suspected that it may eat seaweed, as well as small animals such as mussels, shrimp…
The yeti crab, a species under study
Do you know how many yeti crab specimens are currently being studied? Only one specimen, which greatly hinders the objective of finding a scientific answer to all the peculiarities that this crab presents.
Although the functions of yeti crab bacteria have been clarified, it is estimated that not all the mechanisms have yet been deciphered of symbiosis, due to its recent discovery and the very limited number of specimens that have been observed to date.
