DOTLAN EveMaps

Proud member of the Society for the Advancement of the Krab Species

Krabs typically walk sideways (a behaviour which gives us the word Krabwise), because of the articulation of the legs which makes a sidelong gait more efficient. However, some Krabs walk forwards or backwards, including raninids, Libinia emarginata and Mictyris platycheles. Some Krabs, notably the Portunidae and Matutidae, are also capable of swimming, the Portunidae especially so as their last pair of walking legs is flattened into swimming paddles.

Krabs are mostly active animals with complex behaviour patterns. They can communicate by drumming or waving their pincers. Krabs tend to be aggressive towards one another, and males often fight to gain access to females. On rocky seashores, where nearly all caves and crevices are occupied, Krabs may also fight over hiding holes. Fiddler Krabs (genus Uca) dig burrows in sand or mud, which they use for resting, hiding, and mating, and to defend against intruders.

Krabs are known to work together to provide food and protection for their family.