Hairy Crabs

The newly discovered species of crustacean, Kiwa Hirsuta

Scientists said the animal, which they named Kiwa hirsuta, was so distinct from other species that they created a new family and genus for it. The divers found the animal in waters 7,540 feet deep at a site 900 miles south of Easter Island last year, according to Michel Segonzac of the French Institute for Sea Exploration. […] The animal is white and just shy of 6 inches long — about the size of a salad plate. In what Segonzac described as a “surprising characteristic,” the animal’s pincers are covered with sinuous, hair-like strands. It is also blind. The researchers found it had only “the vestige of a membrane” in place of eyes, Segonzac said.

To me Kiwa Hirsuta looks like an H.R. Giger creation. If I were Michel Segonzac I’d be very careful.

Source: Yahoo! News, Tuesday 7th March, 2006.



3 responses to “Hairy Crabs”

  1. Tom says:

    Wow, imagine a few of those babies infesting your crotchal area.

  2. Courtney says:

    Ew, Tom, I’m sure we’d all rather not.

  3. kelvingreen says:

    Too furry for Giger. Looks more Henson-ey to me, actually.