by: Valerie Ann Dismaya
If you’re a fan of seafood, especially crabs, here’s something you might find fascinating, there are more than 7,000 species of this marine creature found all over the world.
Crabs, popularly featured in seafood boil mukbang videos, are loved for their tender meat and rich, flavorful aligue or crab fat.
But beyond the dining table, they are among nature’s most remarkable creatures.
Experts say crabs have been part of the Earth’s ecosystem for about 230 million years.
Like starfish, they possess what could be described as a “superpower” or regeneration.
This means they can regrow lost limbs or body parts, a natural healing ability that keeps them thriving even after injury.
Contrary to popular belief, not all crabs walk sideways. Many species can move forward, backward, or in any direction depending on their body structure and needs.
Some crabs, known as swimming crabs, even have paddle-like legs that allow them to glide through water.
Their eyes, perched on stalks, can rotate and see in all directions, giving them a full 360-degree view.
This panoramic vision helps them detect predators or find food in the vast ocean.
When crabs “talk” to each other, they don’t make sounds.
Instead, they communicate through gestures such as waving their claws or drumming the ground, especially during mating season or when defending their territory.
And here’s another fun fact, the “soft-shell crabs” often served in seafood dishes aren’t a different species.
They’re simply crabs that have recently molted, shedding their old shells and leaving their new ones soft and edible.
Crabs are more than just a delicacy; they’re an incredible part of nature’s long and resilient story.
