CRITTERCONFIDENTIAL
3 . Shore crab – Carcinus maenas
Their high position reflects some personal bias , because it was my fascination for them that got me into marine biology many years ago , but shore crabs are undeniably brilliant animals to watch . They do a lot of things in full view , whether it ’ s searching for food , grappling with rivals or getting together with a partner . The downside of their exhibitionist approach , falling prey to a waiting cuttlefish or sea scorpion for example , gives us observers yet more to look out for !
A shore crab discovers and devours a hapless edible crab that has just moulted
Cuttlefish couple
2 . Common cuttlefish – Sepia officinalis
For anyone who has had the privilege of seeing cuttlefish go about their lives , this choice needs no explanation at all . Making rapid colour changes to distract prey , attract mates and warn off rivals and predators , they show a staggering range of advanced behaviours . Scientists are discovering more aspects to their intelligence all the time and observant divers also spot new tricks ; one told me how they saw two cuttlefish take it in turns to mesmerise gobies with dazzling stripes , while the other one grabbed them !
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