======Fire Crabs======
=====Introduction=====
A [[Fire Crab]] is a magical beast native to [[Fiji]] that strongly resembles a large [[tortoise]] with a heavily jewelled [[shell]]. Despite their valuable shells, they are a protected species due to their dangerous defensive capabilities and require a special [[license]] to export. The [[Ministry of Magic]] gives them a classification of XXX, meaning a competent [[wizard]] should be able to cope with one.
=====Description and Biology=====
Fire Crabs are primarily distinguished by their shells, which are encrusted with various large jewels, making them highly valuable and attractive to [[Muggles]]. This has led to the establishment of a reservation in [[Fiji]] to protect both the crabs and unsuspecting [[Muggles]] who might approach them.
Their primary and most dangerous feature is their defense mechanism. When threatened, a [[Fire Crab]] shoots flames from its rear end. This fiery discharge serves as a powerful deterrent to predators and anyone attempting to poach them for their shells. (//Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them//)
=====Magical Properties and Uses=====
The most significant use of [[Fire Crabs]] in the wizarding world comes from their shells. Once the [[shell]] is properly treated and dried, it can be used as a handsome and valuable [[cauldron]]. Due to the danger they pose and the value of their shells, the trade of [[Fire Crabs]] and their parts is strictly controlled by the [[Ministry of Magic]]. (//Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them//)
=====History and Known Mentions=====
[[Fire Crabs]] are a known subject within the [[Care of Magical Creatures]] curriculum at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]].
  * During the 1994-1995 school year, [[Rubeus Hagrid]] mentioned he had recently acquired a new batch of young [[Fire Crabs]]. [[Harry Potter]] suspected that [[Hagrid]] had crossbred these crabs with [[Manticores]] to create his illegal [[Blast-Ended Skrewts]].
  * In the 1995-1996 school year, the fifth-year [[Care of Magical Creatures]] class was set to study [[Fire Crabs]] as part of their [[O.W.L.]] studies. The students were sketching them from a textbook when [[Dolores Umbridge]] arrived to inspect [[Hagrid]]'s performance as a teacher. [[Hagrid]], who was absent at the time, later told [[Harry]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] that he had planned to move on to [[Porlocks]] or [[Knarls]] because he felt [[Fire Crabs]] were "borin'" after the excitement of handling [[Nifflers]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * [[Fire Crabs]] appear as enemies in several [[Harry Potter]] video games. In the //[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]// (video game), they are found in the [[Forbidden Forest]] and attack by shooting fireballs from their rears. Once stunned, their shells can be used as temporary shields. They also appear in the //[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]// (video game).