Page 203 - An Anthology of Intriguing Animals (DK)

Crab

C rabs can walk, run, and swim … but only sideways! A crab’s

legs are attached to the sides of its body, so it is usually easier

for them to move left or right. Of a crab’s ten legs, eight of them are

used to get around, while the front two are pincers for holding and
crushing food. Most crabs will eat almost anything, dead or alive.

With its one king-size claw a male fiddler crab looks like it means
business. His claw can weigh over half his body weight! He waves
this giant claw at female crabs to show how strong he is, and

also uses it as a weapon—any male who tries to steal his

seaside burrow is likely to receive
a mighty snap!

Atlantic marsh fiddler crab,
eastern North America

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