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Yeti Crab

What is yeti crab?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Scientific name Kiwa hirsuta[3]
Common names yeti crab, yeti lobster, furry lobster[1]
Discovery year 2005[2]
Habitat hydrothermal vents[1]
Ocean region Pacific Ocean[2]
Size up to 15 cm[1]

The yeti crab is a deep-sea crustacean discovered in 2005, known for its hairy appearance and habitat near hydrothermal vents.

Context

The yeti crab, scientifically known as Kiwa hirsuta, is a deep-sea crustacean that lives near hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean [2]. It was first discovered in 2005 [3]. The name 'yeti crab' refers to its hairy, bristly appearance, reminiscent of the mythical yeti [1]. These crabs can grow up to 15 cm long [4]. They are part of the decapod group, which includes other crabs and lobsters [4]. Some sources indicate they feed on bacteria [1].

Documented claims

  • The yeti crab is a crustacean in the decapod group. [4]
  • The first species, Kiwa hirsuta, was discovered in 2005. [2]
  • The name 'yeti crab' comes from its hairy or bristly appearance. [1]
  • Some sources say it feeds on bacteria. [1]

Questions and answers

Do yeti crabs still exist?

Yes, yeti crabs still exist. They were discovered in 2005 and continue to live in deep-sea hydrothermal vents [2].

Can we eat yeti crab?

There is no information about eating yeti crabs in the sources provided.

Why do yeti crabs wave their arms?

The sources do not explain why yeti crabs wave their arms.

Are yeti crabs real or fake?

Yeti crabs are real. They were discovered in 2005 and are documented in scientific sources [2].

Sources

  1. Ocean Creatures - Fact Sheet Hydrothermal — nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Lurking Benignly on the Seafloor, the 'Yeti' Crab is Discovered — whoi.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. The Yeti Crab — critter.science (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Yeti Crab (Kiwa hirsuta): All You Need to Know - Ocean Info — oceaninfo.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature