Deep Sea Defences: Spiny Stone Crab (Lithodes murrayi)
Fraser Johnston
This deep-sea stone crab (Lithodes murrayi) has some obvious and some not so obvious adaptations to avoid being eaten by predators. The sharp spines and shell are an obvious deterrence, what’s not obvious is its bright red colour. Many animals that live in the deep ocean are bright red. Red is one of the first wavelengths of light to be absorbed by the ocean where it is filtered out well before it reaches the great depth where this crab lives, the crab appears black under normal conditions. In a deep-sea environment with very little light, red is fantastic camouflage.
BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
This photograph was a finalist in Beaker Street’s annual Science Photography Prize. This highly-respected prize invites all Tasmanians to showcase the wonders of our extraordinary part of the world — which is teeming with science and scientists. Finalist images are displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival each August, with great prizes on offer for Judges’ and People’s Choice winners.
The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize would not be possible without the support of Full Gamut, Tasmania’s premier fine art printers and long-time sponsor of this competition. Many thanks also go to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, which donates a generous prize for the People’s Choice winner.
