Lore:Crab

Crabs are crustaceans that possess two front-facing appendages with claws on the end. There are several known species of crab, with the most prevalent being the mudcrab. Most crabs have hard shells, but softshell varieties also exist. Crabs of all species can grow to absurdly large sizes.

Species

Blue Sandcrab

A blue sandcrab

Blue Sandcrabs are a blue variant of crab found along the coast of the Inner Sea in the Stonefalls region of Morrowind. Large specimens sometimes cannibalize smaller ones.

Blue-Backed Siltcrab

A Blue-Backed Siltcrab

Blue-Backed Siltcrabs are a small species of blue crab native to Galen. They can only be found in tide pools along the coast of the island and are considered a delicacy.

Burglar Crabs

Crustaceans that eat snails and smaller crabs, and move into the empty shells afterwards.

Coral Crab

A coral crab

Occasionally referred to as the "Coral Mudcrab", the Coral Crab is a type of sandcrab native to the beaches of the Summerset Isle and Artaeum. Usually blue, purple, or red in coloration, the crabs are distinguished for the large coral growths on their shells. Both the crab and the coral can grow to a significant size, posing a danger to gourmands who attempt to harvest their eggs from the sandy beaches where they are buried.

Emperor Crab

The spirit of an Emperor Crab

Emperor Crabs were gigantic crab-like creatures once native to Vvardenfell, contemporary with the early settled Chimer. The species died out long before 3E 427, and some naturalists believe they are related to the mudcrabs of Morrowind. The most famous Emperor Crab was called Skar, and its giant shell was incorporated into the city of Ald'ruhn. "Under Skar" was the manor district of the settlement, and housed the leaders of Great House Redoran as well as several merchants. Ald'ruhn was destroyed during the Oblivion Crisis by the Daedric armies of Mehrunes Dagon.

Hermit Crab

A Hermit Crab

Hermit Crabs are small orange crabs that hide in mollusk shells for protection. They are most commonly seen along the sandy coasts of High Isle in the Systres archipelago. They are considered a delicacy by the Hee-Tepsleel tribe of Argonians. Hermit Crabs are sometimes kept as pets. Mulberry Hermit Crabs are a variety that possess a deep purple coloration as opposed to the usual orange.

Gravelclaw

A gravelclaw

Gravelclaws are terrestrial crabs found living on the rocky slopes of the Dragontail Mountains in Hammerfell. Their shell are grey and lumpy, giving the crabs a rocky appearance. The meat of elder gravelclaws is succulent, and its pleasant aroma is irresistible to many wild predators. The meat is commonly used by hunters and trappers as bait.

Iliac Bay Crab

Iliac Bay Crabs are native to the coastline of the Iliac Bay. They have a distinctive blue shell that often makes them a target for fisherfolk. However, this also makes these crabs popular as pets and traveling companions.

Mudcrab

A mudcrab

The Mudcrab (or Mud Crab) is a common species of crab capable of camouflaging itself as a small rock. They can be found along every shore and waterway of Tamriel, and are also a common sight underground. They are not typically aggressive unless cornered or provoked. However, if a mudcrab ever gets a taste of meat it becomes a hunter, and may be a threat to livestock. Mudcrabs are usually not dangerous unless they swarm, as they rely solely on their pincers and burrowing abilities in combat. Some mudcrabs can grow to enormous sizes, and rare albino variants are known to exist.

Although they are inquisitive by nature and can be kept as pets, most citizens of Tamriel regard mudcrabs as disgusting vermin. Many different varieties of mudcrab exist; two known species are the Nibenay Mudcrab and the Rufous Mudcrab. Mudcrabs are prized for their sweet crab meat and legs, and their chitin is sometimes used in alchemy.

Mole Crab

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Telvanni Mole Crab Helm

Mole Crabs are native to Morrowind. House Telvanni fashion light armor helmets out of their shells.

Gallery

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  A Mulberry Hermit Crab

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  A Heartland River Crab

See Also

• Hadolid — A race of crablike beastfolk.