Camouflage in Neastacilla sp.

There are many ways an animal can camouflage itself from predators. One of the most effective means is to 'blend in' by adopting the same colouration as your surroundings.

The photograph shows how Neastacilla could easily be mistaken for a piece of colonial bryozoan (or "sea moss"). Both the colour and slender body of the isopod would fool even the hungriest of predators into looking elsewhere for its crustacean meal.

Feedback and queries should be sent to the Discovery Centre at Museum Victoria.
Please note, the Discovery Centre can help you only with questions about crustaceans from southeastern Australia. It can not advise on the care of pet hermit crabs or on crustaceans from other regions.