Yeti Crab Definition | Characteristics & Facts

The Yeti crab, also known as the Kiwa hirsuta, is a fascinating and unique species of crustacean that was discovered in 2005 near hydrothermal vents on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. The name “Yeti” comes from its hairy appearance, resembling the mythical snow creature, the Yeti or the Abominable Snowman.

General Characteristics of the Yeti Crab:

1. Appearance: The Yeti crab has a distinct appearance, with its body and legs covered in long, filamentous white hairs. These hairs are actually colonies of bacteria that help the crab obtain its food.
2. Size: Yeti crabs are relatively small, with a body size ranging from about 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 centimeters) across, and they have long, slender legs.
3. Habitat: Yeti crabs are found in the deep sea, typically living near hydrothermal vents and cold seeps on the ocean floor, at depths ranging from 6,500 to 7,500 feet (2,000 to 2,300 meters).
4. Adaptations: The hairy appearance of the Yeti crab helps it in obtaining its food. It uses the bacteria living in its hairs to farm methane-eating bacteria. The bacteria convert methane gas from the hydrothermal vents into organic matter that the crab can then consume.
5. Behavior: Yeti crabs are often seen gathered around hydrothermal vents, where they feed on bacteria and other organic material that is released from the vents.
6. Reproduction: Little is known about the reproductive behavior of the Yeti crab, but it is believed that they lay eggs and undergo a larval stage before reaching adulthood.

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1. Body Shape: The Yeti crab has a small, rounded body with a flattened carapace. Its body size ranges from about 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 centimeters) across.
2. Legs: One of the most distinctive features of the Yeti crab is its long, slender legs, which are covered in long, filamentous white hairs. These hairs give it a fluffy and “hairy” appearance, similar to the mythical Yeti or Abominable Snowman.
3. Coloration: The body and legs of the Yeti crab are typically pale white to pinkish in color, with the white hairs giving it a bright and fluffy look.
4. Claws: The crab has two pairs of claws, with the front pair being larger and more prominent than the rear pair.
5. Eyes: Yeti crabs have small, dark eyes, which are adapted to their deep-sea environment.
6. Adaptations: The hairy appearance of the Yeti crab is not for insulation but serves as a habitat for bacteria. The bacteria living in its hairs help the crab obtain its food by farming methane-eating bacteria, which convert methane gas from the hydrothermal vents into organic matter that the crab can consume.
7. Habitat: Yeti crabs are found in the deep sea, typically living near hydrothermal vents and cold seeps on the ocean floor, where they gather to feed on bacteria and other organic material released from the vents.

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The scientific classification of the Yeti crab (Kiwa hirsuta) is as follows:

Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)

Phylum: Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum: Crustacea (Crustaceans)

Class: Malacostraca (Malacostracans)

Order: Decapoda (Decapods)

Family: Kiwaidae

Genus: Kiwa

Species: Kiwa hirsuta

1. Antarctica
2. South Pacific Ocean (near hydrothermal vents and cold seeps)

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Yeti Crab FAQs

1. Bacteria
2. Organic material from hydrothermal vents and cold seeps

How did the Yeti crab get its name?

The Yeti crab got its name from its striking appearance, which resembles the mythical creature known as the Yeti or Abominable Snowman. The crab’s body and legs are covered in long, filamentous white hairs, giving it a fluffy and “hairy” appearance, similar to the description of the legendary Yeti.

Where was the Yeti crab first discovered?

The Yeti crab was first discovered in 2005 during a scientific expedition to the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge. The discovery was made in the deep sea near hydrothermal vents and cold seeps in the Southern Ocean, off the coast of Antarctica.

Is the Yeti crab an endangered species?

The conservation status of the Yeti crab is not well-known. However, as a deep-sea species, it faces potential threats from human activities such as deep-sea mining and climate change. Given its limited range and specialized habitat, monitoring and understanding its population dynamics are important for its conservation in the future.