Lungs or Gills

[cjprzed]

Was wondering how crabs breathesince they can survive on the surface and in the water

 

[Scubakevdm]

Was wondering how crabs breathesince they can survive on the surface and in the water

Marine crabs have feather like gills near their mouths. I see them take a little ball of water and carry it around, kinda working it over with their gills. I don't know how land crabs breathe, but I don't think they have gills. I'm not a scientist though, just a divemaster. Maybe Archman will come... he knows everything about that kind of stuff.

 

[knotical]

Good question!
Not all crabs can survive out of water, but from: http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/reprint/187/1/113.pdf

Air-breathing crabs have universally retained gills but have also developed accessory breathing organs, usually lungs . . .

 

[archman]

What are referred to as "land crabs" are just regular crabs with swollen carapaces. They store water inside, which is used by the gills for respiration.

Sorta like a scuba tank, 'cept backwards.

The crabs must periodically change out their "chamber water". That's why one always sees land crabs near water, or near a hole that accesses groundwater.