The strange recluse crab suddenly appeared

For the first time in history, scientists have photographed and studied the crab Pylopagurus discoidalis, often called recluse crab.

Rafael Lemaitre, a research zoologist at the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institute (Washington, DC, USA) says they are the first creatures of the species to be photographed and studied while alive. . Wildlife researchers say the animal needs to be included in the list of important organisms to study.

Pylopagurus discoidalis crab. (Photo: Softpedia)

According to Our Amazing Planet, previously to be recognized as Pylopagurus discoidalis as a separate species, scientists have studied dry specimens that are thought to be about 100 years old.Despite the best efforts, no living specimens were found.Until people see them in the Caribbean and take them to an aquarium.

Like the reclusive crab name, the crabs Pylopagurus discoidalis often live in the shell of other animals, mainly mollusks. Lemaitre shared with OurAmazingPlanet: 'They must carefully choose the shell that fits the tubular body. The most striking feature of this species is the more. This appendage acts as a shield, helping it seal the shell's mouth, preventing the intrusion of uninvited guests. The other end of the shell can also be sealed with the tail ".

Animals were collected at depths of 50 to 100 meters, off the coast of the Caribbean island of Curacao (an island nation south of the Caribbean Sea, near the Venezuelan coast) by a ship called Curasub . This is part of the Smithsonian Institute's Coral Observatory Project. Lemaitre said: The project provides "a great and unique opportunity for taxonomists as I directly observe the lives of many species that were previously known only from colorless samples preserved in the museum." Museum ".

Not much is known about this life of well-known recluse crabs."We know very little about the biological characteristics of this species except its existence and geographical distribution , " Lemaitre said. "Unfortunately, most invertebrate species fall into this category."

After a few reclusive crabs died, they took their DNA to analyze it, understanding its evolutionary history.