Libbie Tyler, Age 9, of Santa Fe., N.M., for her question:

HOW DID THE FIDDLER CRAB RECEIVE HIS NAME?

A fiddler crab is a burrowing animal that you'll find living along sandy or muddy beaches and salt marshes in tropical and temperate regions of the world. It belongs to the crustacea class of animals.

It received its name because the male has a large front claw, called a pincer, that he moves back and forth much as a fiddler moves his arm when playing a violin.

The fiddler crab's pincer is used for. courting females and for fighting with other male fiddler crabs.

The fiddler crab feeds oft water plants, called algae, mixed with mud. In the fall, the crabs in cold regions close their burrows and hibernate for the winter.