Yeti crabs, under the genus, Kiwa (Family Kiwaidae), are a species of deep-sea crustacean that was initially found near the “Pacific-Antarctic ridge, south of Easter Island”(Brauner, 2020). The first species was discovered in 2005 and now there are currently five documented species of yeti crab, found in different locations and having varying physical traits.
In March of 2005, marine biologists used a research submarine named “Alvin” to traverse and investigate hydrothermal vents on the seafloor near the Pacific-Atlantic ridge. One of the marine biologists that was part of these expeditions, Michel Segonzac, observed a large white/gray crab on the ocean floor at depths of over 2000 meters. The crab they saw, about 15 centimeters long, also seemed to have very hairy arms. On succeeding dives, more of these captivating crabs were spotted, all appearing around hydrothermal vents. Some hid under or behind rocks, but were distinctly recognizable by their long hairy arms that stuck out. Because of these hairy white bristles, or “setae” on their arms and claws, the explorers who discovered these white-gray crabs dubbed them “yeti crabs”.
While it is not exceptionally uncommon for there to be organisms living at the bottom of the ocean, it is less frequent for crustaceans and similar classes of animals to dwell at depths as deep as where the yeti crabs roam because of the cold temperatures and lack of sunlight. But, the yeti crab has adapted to populate areas around hydrothermal vents in order to get enough heat to survive. At first, this discovery still baffled scientists since a lack of sunlight would evidently limit food options at these depths. However, this seemed to have not affected yeti crabs immensely, because they have been found grouped in such high numbers, showing that food clearly isn’t scarce for them.
As aforementioned, because of their habitats, it would seem that yeti crabs do not have a vast variety of food to eat. On top of that, they have no eyes. But closer research shows they have no need for them, and may rely on their setae to find food, as it’s been thought that their hairy bristles may be used as chemical/physical sensors to help them find food among other things. However, they have been seen holding their fuzzy arms above hydrothermal vents, which leads researchers to hypothesize that they may be “farming” bacteria that use chemical energy from the vents to grow. It’s been believed that they may eat the bacteria they grow on their setae. So it seems that the trait that gives the yeti crabs its fascinating name is likely extremely vital to its life as a species.
Another factor that relates to the continuation of a species is reproduction. Due to the fact that yeti crabs have only been discovered recently, there is not a large amount of information known about their reproduction. What is known is that they may use their setae as means of locating mates, and that they reproduce by mating. When and where the female crabs lay their eggs is still unknown, but one theory is that they need to be laid away from hydrothermal vents, and that the crab larvae need colder water temperatures in order to grow and mature.
Yeti crabs are certainly a spectacular species, and it is likely that more research in the future will provide us with more information about these incredible crustaceans.
About the Author
Holden Jarstfer enrolled in Northwood High School in the fall of 2022. He has a heavy interest in math and science.
Sources
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Yeti Crab. What's in a Name? (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://whatsinaname.hmnh.harvard.edu/yeti-crab
About the Author AZ Animals Staff AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts, Author, A. the, Staff, A. Z. A., & AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts. (2021, August 7). Yeti Crab. AZ Animals. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://a-z-animals.com/animals/yeti-crab/
Lee, S.-H., Lee, W.-K., & Won, Y.-J. (2016, March 1). New species of Yeti crab, Genus Kiwamacpherson, jones and Segonzac, 2005 (Decapoda: Anomura: Kiwaidae), from a hydrothermal vent on the Australian-antarctic ridge. OUP Academic. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://academic.oup.com/jcb/article/36/2/238/2547977
Easter Microplate Expedition 2005. MBARI. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2022, from http://www3.mbari.org/expeditions/EasterMicroplate/index.htm
First species of Yeti crab found in Antarctica named after renowned British deep-sea biologist. University of Southampton. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2015/06/25-yeti-crab-named-after-paul-tyler.page#:~:text=Ukraine-,First%20species%20of%20Yeti%20Crab%20found%20in%20Antarctica,renowned%20British%20deep%2Dsea%20biologist&text=The%20first%20species%20of%20Yeti,a%20team%20of%20British%20scientists.
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