Yeti Crab
Kiwa hirsuta is a crustacean
discovered in 2005 in the South Pacific Ocean. This decapod, which is
approximately 15 cm (5.9 in) long, is notable for the quantity of
silky blond setae (resembling fur) covering its pereiopods (thoracic legs,
including claws). Its discoverers dubbed it the "yeti lobster" or
"yeti crab".
Given the presence of
a substantial quantity of silky blond setae, its discoverers were quick to dub
it the ‘yeti crab’. The unusual little decapod reaches an average length of
around fifteen centimetres (just under six inches) and lives around hydrothermal
vents deep in the ocean.
It is for this reason that the fur-like setae contain
filamentous bacteria, which allow the creature to detoxify poisonous substances
emitted in the water by vents. It has been speculated that the yeti crab may
actually feed on such bacteria – but it is generally believed to be a carnivore.
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