Deep-Sea Crab Carries Anemone Like a Spiky Backpack

While exploring the abyssal plain in the southwest region of the Wake Island EEZ, an ROV launched from the E/V Nautilus captured amusing footage of a carrier crab of the family Homolidae holding an anemone over its back like a trendy, spiky backpack.

In addition to their long, thin walking legs, Homolidae crabs (also known as “porter crabs”) have modified rear appendages they use to pick up anemones and other things on the seafloor. Scientists speculate that this behavior could be related to physical camouflage, chemical camouflage, or predator defense.

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