Deadly Crustaceans: Xanthidaes Among the Most Poisonous Crabs in the World

Crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and prawns are a big part of people's diets all over the world, with 11 million tonnes caught or cultured per year.

Despite the diversity of crustacean species, only a limited number of species are harvested for commercial or recreational uses. The blue swimmer and mud crabs are the most popular crab species found in seafood restaurants and fish markets.

However, not all crabs are healthy to consume; a few actually bear poisonous doses. Many of the poisonous crabs belong to the family Xanthidae, which is the most diverse family of crabs in many areas and famous for their black-tipped claws.

Here are the world's most Poisonous Crabs:

Family Xanthidae

This is a common Indo Pacific Ocean species that is also very poisonous. The floral egg crab's meat is so poisonous that eating it may be deadly even after it's been fried. It has an oval, comparatively thin shell with a smooth surface and soft margins that separates it. It has large spoon-shaped pincers that end in the black tips that give it its name. The floral egg crab's shell is twice as large as it is long, and its flesh is incredibly poisonous, leading many scientists to compare it to pufferfish in terms of toxicity.

ALSO READ: Freshwater in Danger: Marine Giants Face Extinction Risks

For the most recent updates from the animal kingdom, don't forget to follow Nature World News!