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Project Noah Nature School
Achaeus japonicus
Also known as Orang-utan Crab, Granchio Orang-utan, Orangutang Spider Crab, Hairy Spider Crab, Hairy Crab, and Bubble Coral Crab. This species of crab is hairy all over for the purpose of camouflage. They feed on plankton and invertebrates, and grow to about 1.2cm in length.
Found on coral and rocky reefs, often associated with bubble coral. Widespread in the Western Indo-Pacific region.
This critter was spotted at a depth of about 15m. It was hiding at the base of a soft tree coral.
Spotted on Dec 17, 2011
Submitted on Dec 22, 2011
4 Comments
Is so well camouflaged! Amazing :-)
@Argy_Bee - LOL! Sorry about the photos. The little bugger wouldn't move so I couldn't get a clear shot of him.
@Leuba - Thanks! They are amazing indeed. Of course, it helps to have fellow divers who are great spotters. :)
where do you find these creatures - amazing !
I know he's in there somewhere ....