SALLY LIGHTFOOT CRABS
The incredibly photogenic Sally Lightfoot Crab here preparing to feast on
an opportune serving of washed-up baitfish.
an opportune serving of washed-up baitfish.
The "foaming" is indicative of the beginning of ecdysis - the annual molt - its a lubrication
to assist "squirming" out of the shell.
to assist "squirming" out of the shell.
They are truly scavengers, even eating bits of a deceased member of its own species as in the above photo; the claw in the left foreground is the "meal".
Where did the name "Sally Lightfoot" come from? There are many answers, many stories - including tales of mythical dancers in red dresses. One version of the name origin comes from their ability to quickly jump from rock to rock to avoid waves and just to navigate rocky shores; the "Sally" on the left above seems ready to attempt such a jump.
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GHOST CRABS
Ghost Crabs (now you see them and now you don't as they "disappear" into the sand)
with their eyes atop antennae stalks.
with their eyes atop antennae stalks.
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Beautiful Galapagos sea stars - they come in all sizes, shapes, and flavors.
The one on the left is called the Chocolate Chip Sea Star; definitely more fun to say and easier to remember than its scientific name, Nidorellia armata.
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This octopus is not blending in with the perfection that it is usually capable of.
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They don't get much prettier than this Panamic Horse Conch.