OCEANIC SWIMMING CltAU. Septimus 



through which it has to pass. The Oceanic Swimming Crab is among crustaceans what 

 the albatross is among birds, being able to sustain itself for days together without needing 

 rest, and whenever it does seek a brief repose, needing nothing but the floating algae as a 

 temporary resting-place. The movements of this species are achieved with an easy 

 grace and freedom that remind the observer of the swallow's flight, as the crab flies 

 swiftly through the water, its claws ready to seize their prey, and its limbs held in 

 such an attitude that they offer scarcely any resistance to the element in which the 

 creature lives. 



This species has a very wide range, and is found throughout the warmer seas. It is 

 common around India, Australia, and the Philippines, and from its bird-like fleetness and 

 activity, has never failed to attract attention. Like others of its family, it feeds upon 

 living prey, and chases its victims through the water with .a speed as rapid, an aim as 

 certain, and a voracity as unfailing as are exhibited by the shark itself. The species is 

 notable for the shape of the carapace, and the sharp spine into which each side is developed. 



THE strange-looking creature which is represented in the illustration, is nearly as good 

 a swimmer as the oceanic crab, and has many of the same habits. Like that crustacean, 

 the FOECEPS-CRAB roams the ocean as freely as the bird roams the air, shooting 

 through the waves with arrowy swiftness in chase of prey, gliding easily along just 

 below the surface, hanging suspended in the water while reposing, or occasionally lying 

 across some floating seaweed. The chief peculiarity of the Forceps-crab is the structure 

 from which its name is derived, the wonderful length of the first pair of limbs, and the 

 attenuated forceps with which they are armed. Though not possessing the formidable 



I 



