Fiddler Crab. Land of Dragons Nature - Planet Doc Full Documentaries

The fiddler crab is another species that live in the archipelago. It’s name comes from it’s enormous claws, almost equal in size as the rest of its body. This outsized claw serves two basic functions: to mark his territory, and attract the females. To do this, the males displays it, with energetic movements. The mud of the mangrove swamps is a source of food. To extract the nutritious substances it contains, the crab scoops it up with its claws, and transfers it to a special organ opposite its mouth.

The male can only use one of his claws. The other is so big that it is useless for collecting mud. The females don’t have this problem.

The mangrove forest is home to a number of species of fiddler crabs, but the females have no problem identifying potential mates. Each species is of a different colour, and performs a different courting dance, which is just as well with so many suitors together. The enormous number of crabs limits the size of their territories, and increases competition. With so many suitors together, it is not long before a fight breaks out. During the mating season, these fierce clashes will be often repeated among all the species of crabs that live in the mangrove forest.