How do crabs breathe underwater?

By Hi  &nbspFebruary 24, 2026 | 04:25 pm PT

The question may seem like common knowledge at first but many people get it wrong by relying on instinct.

Crabs are a familiar presence in daily life, from family meals to seafood restaurants. Yet when asked what body part they use to breathe underwater, many people hesitate or offer surprisingly humorous answers.

A crab on a beach. Photo by Pexels

Some assume that because crabs live underwater they must breathe with lungs while others point to their claws, shells or even their noses. The question, while not challenging in terms of knowledge, can be misleading for those who rely on intuition rather than facts.

Its mix of simplicity and trickery often leaves people laughing when they learn the correct answer. Are you confident that you can get it right on your first try?

>> Check out the answer here


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