Granite Crabs

Found all throughout Isturoth, in muddy ponds and raging rapids, dwells a staple of the mountain ecosystem: the freshwater granite crab. These are so named for the hard, calcified chitin that builds upon their backs with layers of silt, minerals, and sometimes actual rocks, to give them a near-impenetrable carapace.
Not only are they tough to kill, a task made only more difficult by the huge pincers they conceal underneath their bodies, but they are notoriously difficult to spot in a regular rock pool.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Granite grabs are built similar to any ordinary saltwater crab: 8 legs for walking, two front arms bearing pincers, and a round plate-like body that is capable of bearing a tremendous amount of weight. All appendages are capable of folding up underneath the animal when it settles into the sand, gravel or mud, however its eyes and antennae stay above the surface to keep an eye on its surroundings.
Their legs and backs are built to take the heavy layers of organic and inorganic material that collects on the carapace of the granite crab. Over time, pebbles and rocks also make their way into the dense mass that builds up and hardens over time.

Ecology and Habitats

Granite crabs will live their whole lives in the same body of water, though they prefer bodies that have water flowing in and out so there is a constant supply of fresh minerals coming in and the water does not become stagnant.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Depending on the size of the fully grown granite crab, they are known to eat anything from fish to lizards to small birds, wherever they can find meat. Smaller crabs will stick to insects and tiny fish, while also filter-feeding on the minerals and nutrients in the body of water they inhabit.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Unfortunately, there is not a large amount of useable meat on the granite crab. It hides a minimal amount of muscle and edible flesh beneath it's thick carapace, so only under the most desperate circumstances would someone go to the trouble to kill and eat one. Even the chitin, though impressively strong, is heavy and unwieldy. Sometimes individuals (particularly those from fishing villages and towns) will adorn their armour with plates of the granite crab chitin, purely as a ceremonial garb.

Conservation Status

Secure

Geographic Distribution

• Isturoth