Crabmeat

Crabmeat (known as Ganigani ガニガニ in Japan) was a first-generation Badnik designed by Dr. Robotnik in the original Sonic the Hedgehog video game for the Sega Genesis and Game Gear systems.

It appeared in the Green Hill Zone (both versions), Spring Yard Zone (Genesis version only) and the Jungle Zone (Game Gear version only).

Physical Appearance
Crabmeat, as their name implied, were inspired by the real life crab. Its main mode of locomotion was dependent on its four short legs, which allowed it to scuttle around its territory. Two photo receptors located on top of two stalks on its head allowed it a great range of vision as enemies approached it. The two pincers located on the side of this Badnik were actually only for show. The real weapon was hidden inside the pincer itself, a device that allowed it store up concentrated amounts of energy. Later models of Crabmeat (see Archie Comics adaptation below) were shown to have a vocoder installed, allowing them to communicate directly with Dr. Robotnik. The standard colors for the Crabmeat are red for the pincers, torso, and head; gray for the vocoder and legs.

Attack Pattern
When an enemy is spotted by the ever-watching Crabmeat, it begins to build up its store of concentrated energy. As soon as the weapons are fully charged, the Crabmeat will stop in its tracks, extend its claw, and fire two balls of energy from the barrels located inside of the pincers. Sonic found the Crabmeat's fatal flaw quickly; it took a good deal of time for the Crabmeat to fully charge its weaponry, making it a sitting duck for the hedgehog.

Sonic Rivals
Crabmeat appears as a collectible card in Sonic Rivals for the PSP.

Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing
Crabmeat is an obstacle on some of the Sonic the Hedgehog race tracks.

Sonic Colors
Crabmeat enemies appear in Sonic Colors much like other classic badniks who returned. They first appear in Aquarium Park and eventually appear in other levels. In this game, they are capable of shooting homing missiles.

Archie Comics
A certain model of Crabmeat was designed specifically to aid Dr. Robotnik in his schemes to take over the world of Mobius. It had a built in vocoder, allowing it to talk directly to the mad genius. Robotnik stated at one time or another that he actually preferred having the faithful Badnik serve as his assistant rather than his whiny nephew Snively. In Sonic the Hedgehog #39, in order to betray Nack the Weasel, Robotnik altered Crabmeat giving him the ability to become very large. Shortly after Crabmeat tossed Nack out a window, he was destroyed by the new Mecha Sonic.

Sonic the Comic
Crabmeat appeared in various early issues of Sonic the Comic, appearing (as in the games) as standard units in Doctor Robotnik's badnik army.

Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie
Crabmeat played a very minor role in Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie. Towards the beginning, after Sonic rescues Tails and the Old Man (Oji-San), a Crabmeat approaches them on the beach. Laughing, Sonic and Tails allow the Crabmeat to pinch the Old Man.

Trivia

 * A crab from the Sonic X episode "Depths of Danger" resembles Crabmeat.


 * Kani, or gani, is Japanese for crab.
 * In Sonic Blast, an unnamed badnik is similar to Crabmeat.