Battles for survival on the beaches of Haifa ► Video

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(haipo) - While we are on high alert for battles on land, under water, in the warm sea, when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, battles between the various marine animals take place on a daily basis, with their most spectacular shows being seen on the shores of our country.

Parrot crabs prey on the eggs of a female wandering boat • Watch


Small crab (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)

A rare spectacle

The crab, which was first discovered on the beaches of Israel in 2012, quickly spread to all the beaches with fine-grained sand. He can be found mainly at Meridian Beach in Haifa, where the sand is more suitable for his needs. On the other hand, on the beach of Shekmona, where the sand is coarser, it is rare to find this crab.

While diving, I had the privilege of encountering a very rare sight - parrot crabs devouring gonads loaded to exhaustion with the eggs of a female wandering boat. Such a picture is not an everyday thing, and happily I was able to take it for a whole hour.

Small crab (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)

The wealth of underwater life

Haifa's sandy beaches are full of different marine life. In them you can find dozens of molluscs of the Akon species and magdalons inhabited by hermit crabs, which have invaded shells that are not theirs. These sandy deserts are also full of young and mature individuals of Talina oysters, Moses boat and more.

Small crab (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)

The less positive side

Along with the playful plays, there are also less positive things. The sea urchin - Diadem, for example, sits on scrap iron and has to defend itself from predators such as woodpeckers.

The poisonous diadem (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)
The poisonous diadem (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)

Looking ahead

In difficult times like these, seeing the sea filled with life, a look at a better future for the sea and for nature lovers, has something to make us happy and strong. I wish that we will pass these days in peace, and that the sea will continue to be a refuge for the diverse and fascinating underwater life that exists in it.

A monk in his new home (photo: Motty Mendelson)
A monk in his new home (photo: Motty Mendelson)

The sea, as usual, contains infinite beauty and fascinating life, amid conflicts and struggles for survival in a world faced with constant changes.

Small crab (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)
Small crab (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)

contact: At watsapBy email

Motty Mendelssohn
Motty Mendelssohn
Marine researcher (diving, underwater photography) and marine and environmental ecology for 35 years. Lecturer in the field for about 20 years. You can order a lecture, or a series of lectures accompanied by unique and spectacular photos, taken during many years of research, in Israel and abroad, ecological tours within Israel and tours of the Dead Sea sinkholes • 050-7271157 • [email protected]

More articles from the same reporter

12 תגובות

  1. Dear Moti, what a fascinating article! The pictures of the sea creatures you take are spectacular and wonderful every time! Thank you for giving us some strength with your articles even in these difficult days. Cheers!!

  2. Hi dear Muti
    Thank you very much for a fascinating article. And thank you for the fact that even in difficult times we can count on you to provide us with fascinating articles

    • Thank you very much Or
      I always try to check what I write based on years of private experience and scientific bodies with whom I am in contact.
      Shabbat Shalom

  3. Very interesting and educated. Certainly Moti gives us a professional look and explanation of the special sea creatures

    • Shabbat Shalom Leah and thank you.
      At least that is what Israel has...there is no week like another at sea.

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