Crabs are fascinating creatures that play an important role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey. They are also a popular seafood delicacy that provides nutrients and calories to humans around the world. The average crab has ten legs, two stubby rear swimming legs, and a hard exoskeleton. They are omnivores and eat bacteria, algae, fungi, mollusks, and other plants. They are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and iron.
The crab’s ten legs are divided into five pairs. The front pair resembles a robust claw and is used for grasping. The other four pairs are used for walking. They can walk slowly or scuttle sideways. In addition to their legs, crabs have pincers that are used for fighting and defense. Some types of crabs have claws that can be opened with your hands, while others have claws on the left side only.
While most people are familiar with the fact that crabs have ten legs, not many know how many they actually have. Unlike insects or spiders, crabs don’t have a backbone, so they need their legs to move around and draw oxygen from the water. Their shells also contain gills that allow them to breathe.
The ten legs of the crab are also useful for walking, gathering food, and defending themselves against predators. They are also used for communicating with other crabs and mates. Some species, such as the fiddler crab, have oversized claws that they use to attract mates or communicate with other crabs in the area. Other crabs, like the broad-clawed porcelain crab, have legs that they can use to crush their prey or create noise to scare away predators.