Marengo rockpools

Decorator Crab at Marengo

May 21, 2016 by Jade Craven Leave a Comment

I’ve never really been that interested in crabs. Sure, they are fun to photograph but they didn’t fascinate me the way that other animals do.

That is, until I saw this decorator crab.

This is the coolest thing ever. It is a group of species of crab that use seaweed as a form of camouflage. According to Australian Museum,

The Decorator Crab’s carapace is covered with hooks to attach algae, seaweed or anything in the environment that will assist in camouflage.

When I first saw this species I thought these photos would suffice for identification. Alas, it wasn’t until I got home and spent $20 on a 60 page book about crabs that I realized that these pictures didn’t show enough information. Oops! I now know for next time.

Looking forward to finding more of these.

Autumn Visit To Marengo Rockpools

May 12, 2016 by Jade Craven Leave a Comment

Another trip to Apollo Bay, another visit to Marengo. We aren’t predictable, are we?

With each visit though we learn more things. I change what I look for. Seth doesn’t – he just tries to find as many crabs as possible.

Visiting Marengo Rockpools Near Apollo Bay

August 9, 2015 by Jade Craven Leave a Comment

In 2014, I went to Apollo Bay with my parents and nephew. They had visited here a couple of months earlier. A relative has a unit there and she lets my parents stay there occasionally.

I had recommended they go to a number of places, including here. This had proven to be a real hit; they saw a magpie fish and a number of other critters. This visit, we mostly saw crabs and starfish. I’m unable to identify them as yet.

I’m not able to provide extensive commentary as the trip took place over a year ago. I do think that this place warrants multiple visits, over different times on different days. I could easily spend hours photographing the rock formations. It’s a place I’m very keen to return to.