New 'strawberry' crab species found off Taiwan

TAIPEI: A marine biologist says he has discovered a new crab species off the coast of southern Taiwan that looks like a strawberry with small white bumps on its red shell.

In this undated image released from Taiwan Ocean University, a new species of crab (Neoliomera Pubescens) is displayed. A marine biologist said he has discovered a new crab species off the coast of southern Taiwan that looks like a strawberry with small white bumps on its red shell.

Taiwan Ocean University professor Ho Ping-ho says the crab resembles the species living in the areas around Hawaii, Polynesia and Mauritius. But it has a distinctive clam-shaped shell about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide, making it distinct.

Crab specialist Wang Chia-hsiang confirmed Ho's finding.

Ho said Tuesday his team found two female crabs of the new species last June off the coast of Kenting Park, known for its rich marine life. The crabs died shortly thereafter, possibly because the water in the area was polluted by a cargo ship that ran aground.