Known for their vibrant red colour, unique sideways walking, and unmistakable claws, crabs (Brachyura) are fascinating crustaceans. Belonging to a diverse group of more than 6,800 variations of crabs, each one has specific adaptations to allow them to survive in multiple habitats around the world. One of their most impressive traits is that they can regrow lost limbs and repair damaged tissue, which helps them live longer and outsmart their predators.
Here at Bristol Aquarium, we love to show off the diversity of the world’s creatures. So, if you’d like to learn all about crabs and their appearance, stick with us. This guide is here to help you learn how to draw a crab in just a pinch!
What will I need?
Before you can get started on your cute crab drawing, you’ll need to gather a few supplies, including:
- Black pen/pencil
- Paper
- Ruler
- Rubber
- Red coloured pen/pencil
How to draw a crab in 7 easy steps
Want to learn how to draw a crab? Our simple how-to video breaks down each step to help you perfect your artistic skills!
Step 1: Start by drawing an oval for the crab’s body. This is covered by a hard shell known as the carapace.
Step 2: Add two upwardly curving lines on either side of the body for the arms.
Step 3: Next, draw a long, curved line from the left of the arm and then draw another shorter one from the right. From the pointed ends of each, draw an inwardly curved line connecting the two. This is your crab’s left claw!
Step 4: Mirror step 3 for the right claw, with the shorter curve on the left and the longer one on the right.
Step 5: Add curved lines for its three walking legs on either side of the body under each arm.
Step 6: Add another two curved lines at the bottom of the body. These are the crab’s swimming legs!
Step 7: All that’s left to do is colour in your crab using a red coloured pencil or pen! Finish off by drawing two small black ovals at the top of the body and two smaller white ovals for the crab’s eyes.
Fun facts about crabs
Now that you have your realistic crab drawing, let’s grab a few fun facts to add to your knowledge of these crustaceans!
How many legs do they have?
As decapod crustaceans, crabs usually have ten legs. The front pair are claws, or chelae, and they help crabs feed, communicate and defend themselves from predators and other dangers. The other eight are known as its walking legs.
What makes a crab’s body unique?
Crabs have an exoskeleton, which they can shed while they grow in size. To help it recycle nutrients such as calcium, a crab can actually eat its own exoskeleton once it’s removed from the body!
Wondering why crabs walk sideways?
The answer is simple – it’s just easier for them! Their flattened bodies and number of legs means they can move quicker sideways than they would be able to forwards or backwards. Plus, it helps them keep a low profile and hide from potential predators.
Where do crabs live?
Crabs are primarily aquatic, inhabiting both marine and freshwater habitats. They can be found in plenty of environments, from coastlines and estuaries to deep-sea trenches.
They’ve been around for millions of years
Crabs are one of the oldest living species and are thought to have been around for millions of years. Scientists have even found crab fossils dating back to the Jurassic period when the dinosaurs were roaming around!
How do crabs behave in the wild?
While some crabs live mostly solitary lives, others prefer to live amongst other crabs in groups known as casts or colonies. This can depend on their location and species.
If you loved our step-by-step of how to draw a crab, you might also be interested in our blog taking you through how to draw a super easy seahorse!
Bristol Aquarium is home to the edible crab, which you can meet on your next visit, alongside plenty of other wonderful sea creatures. So, why not book your tickets today?