Porcelain crabs with host anemone [142K]


Shot against the background of a host anemone's flesh, these two Porcelain crabs look as though they are mother and child. The larger crab is only about 1/2 inch wide. The anemone provides protection from enemies, with the crabs able to carefully wander in between anemone tentacles with seeming impunity, able to avoid capture by the stinging tentacles. The two legs withdrawn to the center of their bodies have lattice-like structures resembling a comb and may be outstretched like a fan to capture plankton passing in the current.
The presence of a tail distinguishes these small creatures from true crabs.

Identification: Neopetrolisthes ohshimai

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