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CRAB-EATING MUDSKIPPER

on 24th February 2017
Anak Ketam
Anak Ketam

“We humans are not the only ones who enjoy feasting on crabs. Other creatures also relish crunching on these coastal delights, from crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis), to crab-eating frogs (Fejervarya cancrivora), to crab-eating snakes (Fordonia leucobalia). Why not, when our mangrove forests are simply crawling with crabs (above)?

Mudskipper makan Ketam
Mudskipper makan Ketam

“They are also eagerly sought after by eagle-eyed Giant Mudskippers (Periophthalmodon schlosseri) (above). During a recent exploration of local mangroves, I was alerted to a commotion under the boardwalk. After assessing the situation, it dawned upon me that an adult mudskipper had just pounced upon a juvenile sesarmid.

Mudskipper makan Ketam
Mudskipper makan Ketam

“The prey’s body was firmly subdued inside the mudskipper’s mouth, but its legs were still sticking out initially (above and below).

Mudskipper makan Ketam
Mudskipper makan Ketam

“Have you ever wondered how a slippery mudskipper manages to manipulate a feisty crab with just its mouth? Watch this video footage to find out:

“In total, this mudskipper took approximately 15 minutes to complete its meal, from the point of capture until it finally swallowed the entire crab.”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
6th February 2017

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

3 Responses

  1. That’s a very good and clear video, however I still don’t understand how the mudskipper managed to subdue and eat the crab – did it drown the crab first? Also, how does it deal with the sharp legs and pincers – wouldn’t these cause damage to the mudskipper’s soft body as they are swallowed?

  2. Excellent questions from an inquisitive mind!

    First, let’s examine the prey:
    Death by drowning is unlikely, as crabs have gills and can breathe underwater.
    This juvenile crab is more likely to have succumbed to the sheer force of the mudskipper’s jaws clamping down on it and pinning it against the mud. Moreover, keep in mind that the shells of young crabs are still relatively thin, compared to the adults, and so offer less protection from external pressure.
    My conclusion: crushed to death.

    Next, let’s examine the predator:
    This unique fish possess powerful jaws that are tough enough to excavate tunnels in the thick mud, so pinning down a young crab should be a piece of cake. In addition, notice how thick its lips are. The inner lining of its mouth should also be relatively thick-skinned. All these are wonderful adaptations for a diet which includes crabs on a regular basis. Swallowing the entire crab, shell and all, would be a great source of calcium! This is why mudskippers hardly suffer from osteoporosis.

    : )
    LTM

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