View Full Version : Crab Woes
So I go to do my morning routine with the tank and when I turn the lights on I noticed my porcelain anemone crab all nested in the anemone. This isn't anything new but usually he hangs out right at the edge rather than deep in the middle. Upon further inspection I noticed that he was missing a claw. I looked around for it and finally found it about 2 inches away on the rock. I couldn't figure out what would have bothered him as the fish never seemed concerned with crabs.
Well last night I moved my decorator crab from the refugium to the main tank and later saw my yellow tang nipping at him. He covered himself in algae could this by why the tang was messing with him? I am assuming if they nipped at him though that he could have been the one to harass the porc.
Anyway, sorry for the mini novel. I have read that porc crabs will regrow the limbs, My main question is how long does it usually take for the crab to regrow it's claw?
Catpicklesdog
11-02-2007, 5:15 PM
Sounds possible to me. My Yellow Tang has nipped at my feather duster, my collector urchin and some snails and they all had algae on them.
salty420
11-02-2007, 9:04 PM
just a guess here but he should get a brand spanking new claw when he molts next.
Maybe not this next molt but the one after probably. Remember as well that anemone crabs and porcelain crabs will drop a claw or a limb as a decoy if they are scared and trying to avoid something. The tang might not have nipped at the crab. Something could have just spooked it.
Sonicblast12
11-02-2007, 9:38 PM
Amazing, an invert can regenerate several full size legs in just one molt. I had a red reef lobster that I bought with one claw, two molts, and it had a full size claw again. Where do the legs/claws hide right before the molt?!
For me, that's one of the most remarkable things about having a marine tank. Some things just defy logic.
chucke
11-02-2007, 9:42 PM
I thought for Sure that my Emerald Crab Died, I found a leg shell parts and stuff and no crab, but sure enough 1 week later there he was! i was amazed
I love my tank
Maybe not this next molt but the one after probably. Remember as well that anemone crabs and porcelain crabs will drop a claw or a limb as a decoy if they are scared and trying to avoid something. The tang might not have nipped at the crab. Something could have just spooked it.
You are truly a wealth of knowledge. I didn't actually realize they would drop it if spooked, thought only if it was actually under attack. Makes alot more sense if it happens when spooked. He is pretty new to the tank
Grins
11-02-2007, 10:08 PM
I'm obsessed about reading up anything I might put in my tank. Sick I tell you, I'm totally sick.
vorlx
11-03-2007, 12:33 AM
I'm obsessed about reading up anything I might put in my tank. Sick I tell you, I'm totally sick.
I can relate to you. I am obsessed in general. I think you have a huge head start on me though. =)
I can relate to you. I am obsessed in general. I think you have a huge head start on me though. =)
Getting involved in my local club and a brief part time stint at a LFS did wonders for knowledge too. Working with some of the stuff directly and or checking out someone's local system workings are both great for the learning curve.