Vampire crabs, so named because of their glowing yellow eyes, have become popular as pets, but the origin of some of these spooky-looking crustaceans has been cloaked in mystery.

Vampire crabs earned their name from their coloring, which can include yellow eyes and a purple or orange shell, according to LiveScience. However, this species does not exhibit the same yellow eyes.

These vampire crabs were discovered by professional-aquarist-turned-crab-hunter Christian Lukhaup, who published a study on the species along with Christoph Schubart.

Scientists found colorful crabs, popular as aquarium pets, in forests of Java and discovered two new species of vampire crabs, study said.

Achmad Sofyan made several treks into the forests of Java island in search of vampire crabs. These colorful crabs are “well known in the aquarium trade” but often labeled with “exotic names ...

The vampire crabs were found on the fruit of palm plants in a freshwater swamp forest in Thailand, researchers said. Ng, P., Yeesin, P. and Promdam, R. via Tropical Natural History While exploring ...

The vampire crabs were found on the fruit of palm plants in a freshwater swamp forest in Thailand, researchers said. Ng, P., Yeesin, P. and Promdam, R. via Tropical Natural History While exploring ...

The vampire crabs were found on the fruit of palm plants in a freshwater swamp forest in Thailand, researchers said. Ng, P., Yeesin, P. and Promdam, R. via Tropical Natural History While exploring ...

Scientists found colorful crabs, popular as aquarium pets, in forests of Java and discovered two new species of vampire crabs, study said.

Scientists found colorful crabs, popular as aquarium pets, in forests of Java and discovered two new species of vampire crabs, study said.

Scientists found colorful crabs, popular as aquarium pets, in forests of Java and discovered two new species of vampire crabs, study said.

The vampire crabs were found on the fruit of palm plants in a freshwater swamp forest in Thailand, researchers said. Ng, P., Yeesin, P. and Promdam, R. via Tropical Natural History ...