Sea Creatures, Galapagos

Sally Lightfoot crab has my favourite Latin name of any animal, Graspus graspus.

Other than that, its eye-catching colouring of bright red, orange, yellow, blue, and even violet makes it a favourite photograph subject for visitors to the island.  Lightfoot crabs are so named for their speed, wowing observers by the quick sideways shuffle of their feet.

The Galapagos eagle ray is one of the most impressive animals found in the waters around the Galapagos.  This beautifully patterned fish uses its long, whip-like tail to lash out at predators such as sharks or larger fish.  Unfortunately, many divers have found themselves on the wrong end of this sharp weapon, receiving nasty cuts.

 

The Harlequin shrimp looks like a flower that has come to life.  It has a beautiful, multi-coloured cloak, and its feelers and antennae blossom into soft little petals.  This shrimp is an extremely fussy eater, choosing to prey only on starfish, which they flip over using their specialized claws before biting and paralysing them.

Finally, the Galapagos seahorse is endemic to the island.  Like all seahorse species, the males carry the young in an egg pouch in their belly.  Females deposit their eggs there, and the male fertilizes and carries them until birth.