A species of incredibly large land crab found in the wetlands and estuaries along the Winedark Sea's coasts. All giant crabs are descended from a single specimen cultivated by the goddess Hera. Though it may seem counterintuitive to us, the gods often allow monsters to live and grow as a future asset they can throw at eventual problems, or serve as challenges for mortals. Carcinus was one such creature, a back-up for the original hydra. It was raised in the mires, feeding off detritus and small animals while building up a tolerance for the acidic conditions the hydra produced. While the original Carcinus was unceremoniously stomped by Heracles, its descendants carry on. The giant crabs can grow to around five feet in diameter before gravity and their own weight pulls them down for good. Perhaps in remembrance, giant crabs sometimes have symbiotic relationships with hydras and drakons. The crabs will use their delicate pincers to pluck parasites and dead scales from the serpentine monsters as they doze. The hydra, meanwhile, refuses to eat the crab and its younger relatives. Drakons are less likely to hold up this end of the deal.
