Wildlife Wednesday: Bubbling Shore Crabs and the Art of Hiding in Plain Sight 🦀🫧
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Wildlife Wednesday // June 11th, 2025
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This Week in the Wild
I spotted this shore crab deep in a crevice, completely covered in foam. Initially, I expected it to stay hidden - most crabs retreat when they sense movement. Instead, it emerged from the rocks and positioned itself in the open sunlight.
About These Crabs
Lined (or striped) shore crabs (Pachygrapsus crassipes) inhabit rocky shores from British Columbia to Baja California. They're known for their quick sideways movements and tendency to disappear into impossibly narrow spaces.
The foam serves a specific purpose. When exposed during low tide, these crabs blow bubbles through their gill chambers to maintain moisture. This adaptation allows them to survive extended periods out of water - a crucial ability in the intertidal zone. Tiny saltwater humidifiers built into their faces.
Key identifying features:
Purple to reddish legs
Distinct lines across the carapace (their shell)
Prominent eyes on stalks that track movement
The Encounter
This individual demonstrated unusual behavior. Rather than remaining concealed, it moved into direct sunlight while continuing to produce foam. Soon, two additional crabs emerged and joined it. All three maintained their positions in the open, hanging out in the afternoon sun.
The original crab turned and fixed its gaze on me. The deliberate eye contact felt significant. I took it as a signal to leave them undisturbed.
Shore crabs often go unnoticed, blending into the rocky landscape. But patient observation reveals complex behaviors, from bubble-blowing to territorial displays. This particular encounter reminded me that even common species can surprise us when we take time to watch.
Gallery
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