Poison Control

When you get the word 'horrible' officially attached to your name, you join the illustrious ranks of the likes of Hagar the Horrible and Dr. Horrible. But I don't think the Horrible Elbow Crab (Daldorfia horrida) is impressed (horrible elbow?).

These crustaceans are found all over the Pacific and Indian oceans. But don't be so quick to eat one, you Crab Feed goers, put away the warm butter and garlic. People have been poisoned by ingesting these crabs.

Sometimes, just sometimes, outward appearances can reflect what's inside. I don't want to be eaten, so here's a carapace, a pair of pincers, and a whole lotta spines to prove it. Still don't believe me? Go ahead, take a bite. Enjoy calling poison control.

You've got to respect an animal that can back up its bark.

Thanks for the article, Susannah.

Photo source: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore via National Geographic