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This blog is dedicated to Malta - my island home. My aim is not to bore you with history but to share my thoughts and a few facts together with a photo or two. For a more in -depth background of the island please go here. The purpose of this blog is not to point out the short-comings of the island. There are plenty that do that already. My wish is to show you the beauty of an island at the cross roads of the Mediterranean, a melting pot of history; a place where fact and fiction are sometimes fused to create unique myths and legends; a country that has been conquered so many times that our culture is a mish mesh of the lands that surround us and of lands far away. I confess that my greatest desire is to make you fall in love with this tiny enchanting island.

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Saturday 13 March 2010

A Rare Sight – Maltese Freshwater crab

We recently went for a walk in the picturesque valley of Bahrija (pronounced Bahriya). It is one of the unspoilt areas of the island. While crossing a very small stream at the start of our walk we came across a very rare creature – a fresh water crab (Potamon fluvitile lanfrancoi). These crabs are only found in three valleys in Malta and in one valley on the neighbouring island of Gozo. He (or she) got rather upset when it heard us coming and tried to hide under some shoots of fallen bamboo. But I did manage to take a photo of our friend who I’ve decided to name Peeping Tom.

Bahrija Valley (13)

This is the first time in my life that I have seen this elusive creature. Perhaps it is a sign that the freshwater crab population is starting to grow again? I hope so. It would be a pity if this endemic species is wiped out.

10 comments:

  1. Fantastic find! Peeping Tom looks cute trying to hide under the bamboo.

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  2. I Love the shot..what a beautiful mysterious creature indeed!
    Kiki~

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  3. What a wonderful surprise - great photo!

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  4. I can imagine how excited you were to see it and capture a photo!

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  5. Up close and personal with a fresh water crab, what a great picture. I love your Peeping Tom, he's cute!

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  6. I Like your blog and your beautiful pictures of Malta..
    Costas

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  7. Wonderful image, the water is so clear!
    I was in Malta only once, and for a very brief period. But the memories I have are still vivid and bring a sweet smile of nostalgia to my face.

    By reading your sidebar "About" paragraph I can see we have many things in common!

    Thank you for stopping by my place and leaving your lovely comment.

    Ciao
    Eleonora
    Roma Every Day

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  8. What a surprise to have come across! Well done on managing a very clear photo of the little crab... must be some sort of sign. Will keep my eyes ooen next time we are in that area.

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  9. Quiet ugly, but probably necessary !

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