Blog Post Twenty-Five
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Poki poki is a benthic species of Box crab. It is in the family Calappidae. They are sometimes referred to as “shame-faced” crabs. That is because they have very large front claws which fold up to hide their face and mouth in a cowardly posture, thus looking “shamed-faced.” Theses claws also create the boxy looking shape of this “box” crab.
Their claws allow them to be great hunters, who can open and eat snails right out of their shells! The claws are not the same on each side. While similar in shape, the right claw has a hook and heavy crushing knobs, while the left is far more delicate and has a movable pincer that is used to pull the flesh from a crushed snail. It’s right claw acts like a can opener, with the hook entering an opening on the snail and then using the knobs to crush the edge of the shell.
They are common on sandy flats and patches on the reef. It is here that they can bury themselves in the sand quickly by pulling the legs underneath the body and folding the front claws in which allow it to hide. They blend in very well and often times all you see are the eyes protruding out above the sandy bottom. They can be 3-6 inches in width and usually feed and night.