Ecology and Behavior
L. emarginata lives on various substrates, at depths of up to 150 ft (46 m). Adults are sluggish and not aggressive, and younger crabs are frequently covered with sponges and hydroids.
Despite its small size, in comparison to other predatory crabs, L. emarginata feeds on large starfish such as Asterias forbesi.
Unusually for crabs, L. emarginata preferentially walks forwards, rather than sideways, although they are also capable of sidelong movement.
L. emarginata male show an unusual "obstetrical behavior", in which gravid females who are about to release their larvae are held behind the male, and aggressively protected.
Read more about this topic: Libinia Emarginata
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