The oceans of the world are home to an astounding diversity of life each creature uniquely adapted to thrive in its aquatic habitat. Among these fascinating denizens of the deep are Sternshield crabs, a type of crab found exclusively in the crystal blue waters off the coasts of certain regions. One of the most striking features of Sternshield crabs are their eyes – vividly colored and peeking out from hard protective shells. But what colors are a Sternshield crab’s eyes and why do they look so dazzling and different compared to other crabs? In this article we’ll dive deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Sternshield crab’s vision and the role their stunning peepers play in their survival.
Sternshield crabs belong to the crustacean family Cancridae and live in the coastal tidal zones and reefs in specific areas around the world. There are a few particular species of crab that are commonly referred to as Sternshield crabs. They get their name from the hard, armor-like shell that covers their bodies and acts as a stern shield against predators.
These small crabs are typically 1-5 inches wide when fully grown, Their thick exoskeleton ranges from orange to reddish-brown in color, One of their most distinctive features are their eyes which sit elevated on short stalks that extend beyond their shell The eyes are known for their dazzling array of colors unlike any other crab
The Vibrant Colors of Their Eyes
So what colors are a Sternshield crab’s eyes? While they may look uniformly black from a distance, closer examination reveals an incredible spectrum of vivid hues. Their eyes can display various shades and combinations of:
- Deep blue
- Vibrant purple
- Fiery red
- Burnt orange
- Lime green
- Shimmery gold
The most commonly observed eye colors are rich shades of blue, purple, and red. Some crabs may have eyes flecked with gold and green crystalline particles that make them glisten beautifully. The color diversity reflects light in remarkable ways, from metallic sheens to kaleidoscopic sparkles.
Unlike many other crab species that often have solid black or amber eyes, Sternshield crabs look as though their eyes are coated in iridescent paints straight from an artist’s palette. But their magical colors aren’t just for show – they serve important functions.
The Special Structure of Their Eyes
To understand why Sternshield crab eyes look so unique, we have to examine their structure. Their eyes are compound eyes composed of thousands of light-sensing units called ommatidia. Each ommatidium contains a lens for focusing light.
The color of the ommatidia comes from a pigment called xanthommatin. This ommochrome pigment is very dark and helps the eyes absorb light efficiently. It also filters certain wavelengths, improving contrast and motion detection.
With so many tiny ommatidia working together, it creates stunning mixes of color unlike anything found in nature. Their eyes work together to give Sternshield crabs excellent peripheral and low light vision.
How Eye Color Helps Them Survive
The dazzling, almost otherworldly colors of Sternshield crab eyes aren’t just for show – they serve crucial functions for the crab’s survival. Here are some key ways their eye color helps them:
-
Camouflage – Their eyes help them blend in with the colorful coral reef landscapes. This makes it harder for predators to spot them.
-
Mate Attraction – Vibrant eye colors are thought to play a role in mating displays to attract partners.
-
Vision Enhancement – The dark pigments aid their ability to see contrasts and motion in low light conditions.
-
Intimidation – Their neon eyes may startle predators and give the impression that they are toxic, serving as a warning.
So in reality, the Sternshield crab’s dazzling peepers help them thrive in their marine home through a variety of mechanisms.
Changes Throughout Their Lifespan
While the basic eye color remains consistent throughout a Sternshield crab’s life, the vibrancy and intensity of the shades change as they grow and mature.
-
Larval Stage – The eyes first develop as simple black dots.
-
Juvenile Stage – After molting, the eyes gain color but often look washed out and paler compared to adults.
-
Adult Stage – With each successive molt, the color becomes richer and more metallic. The eyes reach peak vibrancy around 2-3 years old.
-
Old Age – Approaching the end of their ~15 year lifespan, the colors start to fade as pigment fades.
So younger crabs tend to have more muted eye colors than their mature, adult counterparts. The increasing brilliance indicates the crab’s growth and development.
Closing Thoughts on Sternshield Crab Eyes
When glimpsing a Sternshield crab scuttling across the seafloor, the shimmering colors of their eyes are sure to give pause. Rather than sporting the typical black or amber shades of most crabs, Sternshield crabs look as though their eyes are adorned with living jewels.
Their unique adaptation allows them to take in their watery surroundings, detect prey and predators, and communicate with potential mates. Beyond their beauty, the eyes are complex structures finely tuned over millennia for seeing the world through a prism of color. After learning about their eyes, it’s clear Sternshield crabs offer endless mysteries and wonders from their ocean kingdoms.
Weapons that Use Sternshield Crab Drops
| |
| Adventurer Handbook Description |
|---|
| An aquatic creature found throughout Fontaine. Perhaps due to environmental requirements, it can seemingly only be found in Fontaine. |
| Locations |
| Thalatta Submarine Canyon, Fontaine |
A Fontemer Aberrant Enemy
The Sternshield Crab is part of a group of enemies called, Fontemer Aberrants. These enemies mostly reside within the waters of Fontaine or on the shores!
IF GENSHIN HAS A WILDLIFE DOCUMENTARY! (STERNSHIELD CRAB) | Genshin Impact
FAQ
What color are red crab’s eyes?
Red Crabs are the most common type of crab and are always used for food and also for sushi. Red Crabs have a pinkish-red colour and their arms and legs have a dark red colour. Red Crabs have two black Keratinocyte eyes, although they serve no function.
What are the local legend crabs in Genshin?
Sternshield Crabs are Common Enemies that are part of the Fontemer Aberrants enemy group and the Mystical Beasts family. Two Local Legend Sternshield Crabs, Iron Viscount and Ocean Circuit Judge, can be found in Beryl Region and Elynas, respectively.
What color are crab shells?
Crab shells come in a variety of colors depending on the species. The most common colors are red, blue, and brown. However, some species can have shells that are yellow, orange, or even white. The habitat of a crab influences the color of the shell greatly.
What does a golden ghost crab look like?
Golden Ghost Crab Colorful feature: These bright crabs are golden-yellow to lemon yellow in color. They are mostly one color, although the large claw will sometimes look a little paler. These bright, fast-moving crabs can only be found in western Australia.
What does a guard crab look like?
Colorful feature: This guard crab has a white base color marked with hundreds of red-orange spots. Its eyes are bright yellow and add another burst of color! This distinctive crab has an unusual shape: its trapezoidal carapace sets it apart from many other crabs. And like other guard crabs, it has a symbiotic relationship with corals.
What does a rainbow crab look like?
Rainbow Crab Colorful feature: The rainbow crab is a beautiful mixture of colors. Its carapace is usually blue or blue-violet, the legs are reddish, and the claws are white. The colors look brighter and much more saturated when the crabs are young. As they get older, they start to fade.
What is the most colorful crab?
Colorful feature: The Halloween crab just might be the most colorful crab on the entire list. Though its carapace is mostly black, it has fiery orange legs ad bright purple claws. It also has two large, usually yellow patches behind the eyes. This colorful crab has lots of names, some of which are shared with other species.
What does a green crab look like?
But as the name says, the green crab is usually a rich and verdant green. Some are a uniform green. Others, like the crab in the picture, have patterning of various shades of green. And sometimes, these crabs are gray, brown, or red. The green crab has been named one of the top 100 worst invasive species in the world.