What Are Some Predators of Crustaceans?

Crustaceans are a type of arthropod living in water. Common crustaceans include crabs, lobsters and shrimp. Because all crustaceans have exoskeletons, and many crustaceans have claws, a crustacean might look like a scary predator at first glance. However, much of the time crustaceans are preyed upon by other creatures.

  1. Seals

    • Although in a zoo you may see seals eating mostly small fish, in the wild seals eat many other creatures, including shrimp and lobster. Although it might seem impossible for a seal to eat a lobster because of the shell, seals can swallow their prey whole in one gulp, making a lobster a perfect meal.

    Birds

    • Seagulls, pelicans and other birds that like to hang out out near water are always on the lookout for wild hermit crabs. When a hermit crab outgrows its shell, it needs to find a new one. During this time the crabs are very vulnerable, making it easy for birds to swoop down and eat them up. Hermit crabs will try to come out of their shells only at night to avoid birds, but this doesn't always keep them safe.

    An Ocean Feast

    • Because shrimp are small, almost all sea predators love to eat them. Shrimp have fewer ways to defend themselves than larger crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters. Almost any bird or large fish will eat a shrimp for nourishment. Where wild flamingo are plentiful, shrimp don't stand a chance. Flamingos use their beaks to catch shrimp. Flamingos are pink because of pigments found in the crustaceans they eat.

    Humans

    • Although many fish and birds need to eat crustaceans to survive, many humans eat crustaceans because they find them delicious. Shrimp, lobster and crabs can be very expensive and are considered a delicacy. In addition to the taste of crustaceans, many people like cracking open the shells of lobsters and crabs to dine upon them. Eating lobsters and crabs is a sensitive topic in the world of environmentalists and vegetarians, as many do not agree with putting a live creature into a boiling pot of water.