Ok - sorry, but every time I look at this photo, that's what pops into my head...

Technical Data: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, 1/200th sec at f/20. Image Stabilization on. ISO 400. Ikelite Housing and Port and Ikelite 161 Strobe in TTL Mode. Raw conversion in Photoshop CS5.

This strange looking kung fu fighter is a Neck Crab (Podochela spp.) - a type of decorator crab, these odd little guys like to attach things like hydroids (example below), pieces of sponge, and whatever else they can find to their exoskeleton. There are theories that this is for camouflage, and some that the hydroids and any other stinging celled decorations are used to help with food collection. The second theory is supported by the fact that these guys often wave those long front legs out above them like this individual is here. Either way, it makes them definitely a cryptic and weird critter on the reef.

See what I mean - it is a challenge to even figure out what parts are what, but if you look closely, you will see a pair of eyes that stick out a bit to the sides of the head that sticks up like a post in the middle of the crab (kind of like an arrow crab). I find them fascinating!

- Bill