For
those of you who already know something about Lanzarote, you are probably think
that the Jameíto is related with the famous Jameos del Agua. You are right!
This
species of crustacean is endemic of the island of Lanzarote. It is known also
as blind crab of the jameos or with its scientific name: Munidopsis
polymorpha.
Even
if there are other crustacean belonging to the same family, in other areas of
Canary Islands, this specific ones lives by the Jameos del Agua.
Other
specimen have also been found, in smaller quantities, in other areas such as
Los Charcos de Luis, in Órzola, where sea water is filtered to create a
suitable habitat.
The
Jameíto is very important for Lanzarote and many people consider it as the
animal symbol of island.
How is the Jameíto
This
blind crab is very small and it rarely exceeds the 3 cm longitude. It has a
curious white colour that remember us that it’s an albino animal.
One of his qualities is that he has a great sense of
hearing, but we cannot say the same about its sight. That is why it is also
known as the blind Jameos crab.
On both sides of the head it has two spines and a little
flattened tweezers. These are bigger in males than in females.
Depending on the amount of food in the surroundings it
can limit its movements to the area around him or it can move freely to find
food.
Which is the
difference with the other crabs?
It is small and albino and also its habitat is completely
different.
However, the Jameito inhabits the andean system of the
Jameos del Agua, which was formed with a large eruption of the Corona about 21,000 years ago.
The Volcanic tube of Corona is formed by a series of undeground caves that are connected with the
ocean. In fact, seawater seeps into them to give rise to a rich ecosystem with
a unique fauna full of fascinating crustaceans.
These
have been able to adapt to their unique surroundings. It’s the case of the Jameíto,
that even if it is blind could survive also to the beginning of tourism.
An endangered species
Since
when it has been discovered, many expert zoologists tried to protect this
peculiar animal.
With the opening of the tourism by the Jameos del Agua, the blind crab
drastically decreased its population. The human hand changed their habitat and
recently visitors have been banned from throwing coins into the lagoon, as they
were polluting and killing their fauna.
Luckily nowadays there are different ways to check the
life conditions of the Jameíto and other inhabitants of the Jameos. Protect its
surroundings it’s a priority for the canarian institutions.
Come to discover the Jameíto with
Canarian Transfer
Do
you love animals? Are you passionates of different species? As Canarian Transfer we recommend our
excursion to the Jameos del
Agua.
Discover one of the emblematic place of the island that you cannot miss. If you need transfer from the airport to your accomodation,
you can count on us. Discover Lanzarote!