Heikegani (平家蟹, ヘイケガニ, Literal meaning: Heike Crab, Heikeopsis japonica) is a species of crab native to Japan, with a shell that bears a pattern resembling a human face – an example of the phenomenon of pareidolia – which is interpreted to be the face of an angry samurai, hence the nickname samurai crab.

Jun 26, 2017 · This crab has a distinctive shell with a pattern that vaguely resembles the angry face of a Samurai. The story goes that when the Heike warriors died and sank, their souls were transferred to the crabs and their gnarled faces were forever etched onto the crab's back.

Sep 7, 2014 · Heikegani is a species of crab native to Japan, with a shell that bears a pattern resembling a human face. According to Japanese folklore, the Heikegani crabs contain the souls of the Heike samurai warriors who were slain at the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185 AD, a war over the Japanese imperial throne.

Apr 17, 2022 · Crabs with carapace shaped like human faces could be found all over the world, but the heikegani is unique for its resemblance to a snarling samurai. Some observers noted that a charging samurai will come in mind upon seeing the crab, but some people agreed that a samurai menpo is closer.

The crabs’ shells mutated into the shape of a scowling face, a permanent reminder of the never ending grudge of the Heike. In Kitakyūshū City, it is said that the souls of the Heike men turned into heikegani, while the souls of the Heike women turned into kappa.

Feb 14, 2020 · Coconut crabs are pretty much hermit crabs that don't need to use a thirty party or aftermarket shell.

Feb 9, 2018 An image purportedly showing a hermit crab using a human skull is actually a lifelike sculpture.

Feb 9, 2018 An image purportedly showing a hermit crab using a human skull is actually a lifelike sculpture.

Hermit crabs are just like us: they need a safe place to hide from terrible humans. A crab believed to be found in the Pacific's Pitcairn Islands was recently spotted with a rather unusual shell:...