The pea crab, Pinnotheres pisum, is a small crab in the family Pinnotheridae that lives as a parasite in oysters, clams, mussels, and other species of bivalves.

If you've ever encountered a pea crab in your life, it's very likely that you saw one while eating an oyster! These little critters live in the gills of oysters, and sometimes will come out to play when …

Pea crab, any member of a genus (Pinnotheres) of crabs (order Decapoda) living in the mantle cavity of certain bivalve mollusks, echinoderms, and polychaetes as a commensal (i.e., on or …

Mar 11, 2025 · Despite their diminutive size, pea crabs have carved out a fascinating niche for themselves in the ocean’s vast ecosystem. Their secret life, marked by unique symbiotic …

Feb 1, 2023 · The pea crab (Pinnotheres pisum), also known as a mussel flea. This tiny animal is one of the smallest crab species – a female rarely gets much larger than 12mm across – and …

Pea crabs (Pinnotheres Ostreum) or oyster crabs (Zaops ostreus) are soft bodied crabs that live in bivalves like oysters and mussels. They’re kleptoparasites meaning they seal food from …

Aug 29, 2025 · Pea crabs are tiny, fascinating marine crustaceans that lead an unusual existence hidden within other sea creatures. They have developed a unique way of life, thriving in …

Pea crabs, also known as pea crab parasites or bivalve crabs, are tiny crustaceans that live inside certain bivalves, such as oysters, mussels, and clams. These small crabs can often go …

First of all, the truly amazing crustacean commonly known as the Pea Crab holds a remarkable distinction. This holds true because the tiny creature remains the smallest known species of …

Dec 1, 2025 · Sometimes called the "redneck's toothpick," pea crabs are tender eating, with the mild meatiness of a miniature soft-shell crab.