Island Crab

The Island Crab is a large crustacean inhabiting the Pits, being the only species able to resist the density of the underwater rivers. They commonly use this advantage to hunt for food, disguising themselves as the floating chunks of rock in the rivers of their habitat. When a prey item gets near, they attempt to skewer them in just the right spot, before consuming them inside the halocline.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Island Crabs sport large bulky bodies, with small eyestalks, and large fore limbs shaped like harpoons. They have eight bulky legs, which have extendable webbing on the sides to keep the creature afloat in the halocline. On the creature's backside is a structure with an identical texture to rock, with grooves inside to allow plants to grow.

Genetics and Reproduction

The only time the Island Crab will crawl on land will be to find a mate, where it is more vulnerable than in the halocline, prompting it to be hasty in its search. Island Crabs will typically travel together to get used to their companion's presence, before attempting to engage with the other to test their strength. Although these duels appear intense, each party is usually careful not to wound the other, and they end once each has made their decision on whether or not to mate. Their eggs are able to float in the underwater rivers, where they will stay safe from predators.

Growth Rate & Stages

Island Crabs hatch in the middle of an underwater river or pit, though some have a chance to be hauled onto land by some other creature. After they are first born, they will begin using their finned legs to swim in their hatching pool, accidentally bumping into their siblings from not being able to see inside. After a while, their senses will develop more, and they'll begin crawling on land to hunt newborns of other species, able to escape danger with their speed. As they grow larger, their rocky shells will be able to host larger plants, allowing them to blend in easier to hunt larger prey. After they reach maturity, they will keep to themselves for the rest of their lives.

Ecology and Habitats

Island Crabs live only inside the Pits, spending almost their entire lives in a body of halocline. These crabs will typically stay in one area while hunting, sometimes attaching their legs to other floating islands to stay still, and appear more inconspicuous. When crawling on land, they often trample any small plants and landforms that get in their way, sometimes destroying nests such as that of the Nauapallin. 

Dietary Needs and Habits

Island Crabs eat a variety of species, but commonly feed on Tusked Manatees and Ground Swimmers. The crabs simply wait inside an underwater river, and when they sense their prey passing above, they impale them with their harpoon-like claws. Any companions their prey might have will be discouraged to attack because of the dangers of the halocline, as well as this creature's tough shells. The Island Crabs rarely attempt to kill prey on land, as their vulnerable undersides can easily be attacked. 

Biological Cycle

When plants die on the back of these creatures, they use their long forelimbs to clear it by swiping it over the surface of their shell. Sometimes, they will have their mate clean the plants off for them in areas they cannot reach themselves.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The only species known to routinely target the Island Crab's eggs as food are the Cave Stalkers, who use ropes and hooks to haul the eggs out of their hatching pools without risk. Some Cave Stalkers even track Island Crab mates in order to steal their eggs. The one downside is that the eggs are extraordinarily heavy, which leads the Cave Stalkers to only take one or two at a time.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

While the Island Crab can see, it only uses sight when it is on land to reproduce. When hunting or resting, it relies on hearing and smell to sense its surroundings instead of its eyes. It can also use touch to guide where the edge of a river is.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Certain small edible plants such as Deep Fruit and Black Tubers have been found growing on these creatures' backs, which can further entice their prey closer towards them. 

Scientific Name

Callinectes nisis

Lifespan

Unknown

Conservation Status

Endangered

Average Weight

1,700 lbs.

Average Length

37 ft.

Average Physique

Bulky

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Black skin, grey backside, green glowing eyes

Geographic Distribution

• The Halocline Pits

Average Intelligence
Average