Carrier crabs like this one seen during the first dive of the second Voyage to the Ridge 2022 expedition at a depth of 574 meters (1,883 feet), belong to the family Homolidae. They have a specially modified fifth pair of legs that allow them to carry objects on their backs. This particular crab was carrying a piece of coral. It is thought that this behavior may be a defense mechanism, to ward off predators.
Carrier Crab
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Voyage to the Ridge 2022. Download larger version (jpg, 1.9 MB).

Carrier crabs like this one seen during the first dive of the second Voyage to the Ridge 2022 expedition at a depth of 574 meters (1,883 feet), belong to the family Homolidae. They have a specially modified fifth pair of legs that allow them to carry objects on their backs. This particular crab was carrying a piece of coral. It is thought that this behavior may be a defense mechanism, to ward off predators.