“Hoff crab” named after Southampton marine biologist

Found in Antarctic waters, this hairy crustacean who was originally nicknamed “The Hoff”, has now been given an official scientific description and name. From now on, it will be known as Kiwa tyleri, named after the acclaimed polar and deep-ocean biologist Paul Tyler, from Southampton University.

The crab was first discovered in 2010, by deep sea scientists. They named it the “Hoff crab”, as it’s setae-covered belly resembles David Hasselhoff’s legendary chest.

Hoff crabs live in one of the most extreme conditions on the planet, 2,000 metres deep with a water temperature of zero degrees Celsius. With light and oxygen in short supply, the invertebrate’s hair is essential for its survival. It hosts large amounts of bacteria for the animal to harvest, then uses its mouth to scrape off the microbes to eat. Another way the crabs aid their survival is by climbing the volcanic vents on the seafloor to maximise food production.

The Hoff crab may seem unique, but in fact there are two other species of “Yeti crabs”. Kiwa puravida and Kiwa hirsute both live in the Pacific, and feed in similar ways.