Meet the Larger Spotted Shamefaced Boxer Crab: Nature’s Shy Scavenger
Have you ever heard of a crab that looks like it’s hiding its face in embarrassment? Say hello to the Larger Spotted Shamefaced Boxer Crab (Calappa granulata)! Found in the Mediterranean Sea, including around the Maltese Islands, as well as the Red Sea and the Atlantic coasts of Europe and Africa, this quirky creature is both fascinating and adorable.
Why the Name?
This crab has two fitting nicknames: “Box Crab” for its bulky, boxy shape when its legs are tucked in, and “Shamefaced Crab” because of the way its claws fold up over its face. It looks like it’s covering its face in shame—a trait that has captured the imagination of marine enthusiasts.
What Makes It Unique?
The Larger Spotted Shamefaced Boxer Crab has a carapace (the hard shell covering its body) that’s pinkish with five rows of striking red spots. Its claws are strong and scissor-like, perfect for cracking open mollusks and bivalves, its favorite snacks. While it may not seem like much of a mover, this crab can burrow expertly into the sand, creating a nearly invisible hiding spot with only its eyes and a bit of its carapace peeking out.
Shy but Strong
Despite its shy demeanor, this crab is a skilled predator. Its powerful claws are tailor-made for breaking apart shells and extracting its prey. When it does decide to move, it can scuttle quickly across the seafloor, upright on its slender legs, but it prefers a life of camouflage and patience.
Life in Solitude
The Calappa granulata is a solitary soul, meeting others only to mate. Males have an interesting habit of sticking close to females during molting, staying protective (and possibly possessive) as the females shed their old shells. After this process, the two bond and mate, and the female lays her eggs between June and September.
Next Time You Dive…
Keep an eye out for this incredible creature! You may have to look closely—it’s a master of disguise and prefers staying hidden. But if you do spot one, you’ll be witnessing one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating underwater residents.
The Larger Spotted Shamefaced Boxer Crab might be shy, but it’s full of character—and a marvel of marine life!
The photo of this Larger Spotted Shamefaced Boxer Crab was taken at a depth of 14m at Mġarr ix-Xini on Gozo’s south coast.
Photo taken by Brian Azzopardi
