Name That Crab

HAVE a degree in Marine Biology, so I am able to answer the question about the crab pictured in issue 278. It’s a Palawan purple crab (Insulamon

palawanense) which is native to the Philippines and was only described by science as recently as 2012, although I suspect that the locals knew about it a bit before then. They are only about 1 or 2 inches across and probably would not even make a decent starter.

Chris Quinn, Liverpool

THE

crab species that Mat enquired about (Letterbocks 280) is a red rock crab (Grapsus grapsus). It is native to Mexico so if it could talk, as suggested by Mr Buktu’s mate in Letterbocks issue 278, it would say stuff like “¡Ponme de nuevo debajo de esa roca, gran bastardo gordo!”

Dr Emmi Hall, Newcastle

Oh, dear! It seems we have a disagreement between two academics as to the species of crab we pictured in issue 278. Chris Quinn claims it’s an Insulamon palawanense, whilst Emmi Hall insists that it’s a Grapsus grapsus. And there is only one thing for sure - either Chris or Emmi is a LIAR. So we’re handing it over to you, the Viz readers to decide which academic is telling the truth. Simply write in and tell us who you think is lying. Mark your envelope or e-mail subject Name That Crab. We’ll name and shame the lying academic in the next issue.