8. Fire crabs

Chapter 9

Fire crabs

These creatures have grey-green skin and they live in a jeweled shell. They have a turtle like appearance and 6 legs. The fire crab is categorized as a beast, classified as XXX by the Ministry of Magic. They can shoot fire out of there bottom at a wide range and therefore can be quite dangerous. They are considered an endangered species and are being protected in a colony on the native islands of Fiji. On the rare occasion that you do find yourself dealing with a fire crab, there are several safety measures that should be followed:

• Wear properly fitted clothing - nothing loose
• Have your wand in hand at all times
• Wear dragon-hide protective gloves at all times
• Never stand with the rear of a fire crab facing you

It is also important to remember that it is not completely illegal for a person to own a fire crab as a pet; they simply must attain a special license, issued by the Ministry of Magic.

Why they are Endangered

This is the case due to the fact that the fire crab shell is desired by both magical and Muggle people. The Muggles want the shell due to the wealth that can be obtained by removing the gems from the shell. Magical people will desire the shell of the fire crab since the shells are occasionally used as cauldrons. Fire crabs, naturally, exude heat due to the fire that they store within their bodies. This way it will take way less time to brew a potion, however this effect only lasts for a few days so it isn’t really worth it.

Defending Against a Fire Crab

There are several methods that, in theory, can be used to defend against the fire crab:

• Any water spell prohibited the fire crab from shooting fire at you
• The knockback jinx

Because the species is endangered actually hurting or killing one can result in severe consequences from the Ministry of Magic.