On a sunny afternoon in the UK, suddenly a group of giant crabs several meters long invaded the beach with their "arms" raised, which is today's protagonist - man-eating crabs. Man-eating crabs are the largest crustaceans on earth, their chela can reach 3.7 meters and weigh nearly 30 kilograms, which can be described as the "boss" of crabs.
Could it be that this "man-eating crab" really feeds on humans like piranhas in the Amazon? Or will it become the biggest crab and become a "plate meal" for foodie humans?
The cause of the matter begins with their invasion of the British docks.
"Invasive species"
Invasive species
In 1836, Dutch zoologist Kornard Jacob Tenminke saw a giant crab in the port of Nagasaki, Japan, with its chelated feet spread out about 3.7 meters, a strange creature he had never seen before. He brought the crab back to the Netherlands and described and named it using Western scientific methods, the first time the man-eating crab was recognized by the Western world.
However, in Japan, man-eating crabs have long had their own names and legends. They are called tall crabs because of their long legs. They are also believed to be messengers of the water gods, able to foresee disasters and bless fishermen. The Japanese have an attitude of awe and respect for man-eating crabs and do not hunt them easily.
Originally, the main living area of man-eating crabs should be in the coastal areas of Japan in the northwest Pacific, but in recent years, due to climate change, the sea temperature has increased, and a large number of man-eating crabs have been forced to migrate to higher latitudes in the British sea. Because the UK is located in a temperate marine climate zone, the sea temperature is moderate throughout the year, and the seabed environment is also conducive to the survival of man-eating crabs, with rocks, sand and mud and other different substrates, in which man-eating crabs can drill holes or climb.
There are also abundant food resources on the seabed, such as fish and shrimp, shells, jellyfish, etc., and man-eating crabs can eat a variety of animals and plants. Therefore, the man-eating crab in a foreign land not only did not feel unsatisfied, but even multiplied in large numbers, and soon became a hegemon around the United Kingdom.
Whenever summer comes, man-eating crabs will appear in large numbers in shallow waters in Cornwall, England, and even go ashore to shed their shells and breed. This invasion has attracted attention and concern in the UK, partly because of their form and name that makes people feel fearful and disgusted.
On the other hand, they compete with other marine organisms for food and space, and even prey on or harm some precious or protected species, such as lobsters, shellfish, etc. They can also destroy nets and gear, reduce fishermen's incomes and have serious impacts on local ecosystems and fisheries.
Do man-eating crabs really "eat people"?
First of all, we must first understand the habits of man-eating crabs, which mainly live on the bottom of 500-800 meters, feed mainly on small sharks and jellyfish, and have strong diving ability, except for shelling and breeding, they basically will not go ashore. It can be said that the relationship between man-eating crabs and human life cannot be said to be somewhat related, but can only be said to be unrelated. So where does the term "cannibalism" come from?
It turns out that in addition to preying on some small creatures, man-eating crabs also have a certain scavenging, so they are also called ghoul crabs.
However, after the name spread to the mainland, it was translated into man-eating crabs, and it spread more and more, misleading many people. And along with the terrifying appearance of the man-eating crab, slowly, the name of "cannibalism" has taken root in people's hearts, and it can be said that the man-eating crab is also one of the victims of the "appearance association".
Although man-eating crabs do not eat people and do not actively attack people, do not treat them like cute pets, and the pair of giant chelated feet is a strong proof. According to the researchers, an adult man-eating crab can have a pinch force of up to 1800 pounds, which is equivalent to three times the strength of a lion's arm. This terrifying power is enough to split a shark in two in an instant.
According to legend, in the 90s of the last century, a Japanese crew member strayed into the habitat of man-eating crabs, alarmed them, and was chased and beaten by angry man-eating crabs. It is said that the crew member went to the hospital afterwards for examination, and there were many deep wounds on his body.
Therefore, although the man-eating crab will not actively attack people, it is still not easy to approach, really have to fight, unless rock-paper-scissors, you have no chance of victory.
"Man-eating" crab or "human-eating" crab?
What is the best way to solve a species epidemic? That's right, that's eating. Speaking of this, perhaps readers have long wanted to ask: "Can this thing be eaten?" ”
This is to tell you that not only can be eaten, but also very delicious, even known as one of the most delicious crabs in the world, its meat is fatty, delicious taste, deeply loved by diners.
The meat of man-eating crab has a unique sweet taste, rich and delicate taste, and the meat is firm but not dry. Man-eating crabs are also high in cream, so their meat is delicious and juicy, making people bite after bite. In addition, man-eating crab has a unique aroma, which makes it an indispensable ingredient in many dishes.
In different regions and different cooking methods, man-eating crabs also have their own taste expression. In Singapore and Malaysia, for example, man-eating crab is often cooked in curry to make it richer. In Japan, man-eating crabs are often used as an ingredient for sushi or sashimi and are praised as a great addition to seafood cuisine.
In China, steamed crabs must have been heard of. This practice of retaining the taste of the crab itself can make the crab meat tender and delicious, without any fishy smell, and the taste is very delicious when bitten, and it is very refreshing to eat, suitable for summer consumption. In addition, steamed man-eating crab also has certain nutritional value, containing high protein, low fat and low calorie characteristics.
However, with the large number of people fishing, in some countries and regions, such as Australia, the United States, Europe and other places, man-eating crabs are considered an endangered species, so their harvesting and sales are usually strictly restricted and regulated. In these places, the harvesting and sale of man-eating crabs is generally not permitted unless there is a special permit or a special environmental protection plan.
In recent years, the mainland has also begun to implement some related measures to restrict the wanton fishing of man-eating crabs, which has also caused the price of man-eating crabs in the market to rise sharply, and man-eating crabs have also become "slaughter" crabs, but they are just slaughtering people's wallets.
If you're interested in man-eating crabs, visit the London Aquarium in the United Kingdom, where a Japanese man-eating crab named Barney is the largest in the world and weighs 15 kilograms. You can observe its appearance and behavior up close, as well as interact with it and take pictures.
You can learn about its living habits and living environment, as well as explore its scientific value and cultural significance. You can appreciate its beauty and singularity, and you can also think about its existence and future. You can ask yourself the question: If you came across a man-eating crab, what would you do? Is it running or taking pictures? Do you eat it or let it eat you?
bibliography
- "Ecology and Fisheries of Japanese Spider Crabs"¹, published by the Japan Society of Fishery Sciences, introduces the research results and practical experience in the classification, distribution, growth, reproduction, diet, fishing and breeding of Japanese spider crabs.
- Biology and Resource Management of Japanese Spider Crabs², published by the Japan Institute of Oceanography, which summarizes the latest knowledge and techniques in the biological characteristics, resource assessment, fisheries management and conservation measures of Japanese spider crabs.
- The Myth and Culture of Japanese Spider Crabs³, published by the Japan Folklore Society, explores the image and symbolism of Japanese spider crabs in Japanese folklore, mythology, art, and literature, as well as their relationship to Japanese history and culture.