Published 18:52 IST, September 14th 2019
Ghost crabs make sounds from stomach to scare off their enemies
On September 11, the scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography found out that a ghost crab use their stomach to growl at enemies.
On September 11, the scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography found out that a specific species of crabs growl at the predators. This sound is similar to aggressive interactions that both genders of crab make. This discovery made by Jennifer Taylor, a Scripp's scientist along with Maya deVries is the first instance where an animal uses stomach sounds to communicate, which further means that their claws are available to attack and fight with predators. When agitated, these crabs grind teeth present in their gastric mill.
The unique nature of crabs
The rumbling sounds of the particularly grumpy crabs are made by grinding teeth of the foregut. The sound then generated is loud enough for the people to hear with naked ears. According to Jennifer Taylor the biologist from Scripps, California revealed that these abdominal vibrations are 'definitely' an advantage especially when the predators are up close to them. Reportedly, the crabs can pull out their claws and be entirely prepared to attack while producing these sounds. In case of a situation where their claws are busy, the crabs can choose to generate similar sounds from their internal system.
Ghost Crabs
These ghost crabs are also known as sand crabs. They have one claw larger than the other one. It is thick, and also has elongated eyestalks with a box-like body. This amazing fact has astonished netizens as much as it did the scientists. One of the Twitter users also took a humorous take and related it to himself saying when he makes sound from his "gastric gills", he is usually told to leave the room. While others are in amazement about the discovery and how far the mutation has come to. Scientists are still researching to know more about these Ghost crabs.
Updated 21:40 IST, September 14th 2019