Is this a parasite? Crab on the foot of a snail

[Nereus7]

...you in a hurry?

 

[dougall]

...you in a hurry?

Are you trying to make light of a serious question?

 

[OrionGirl]

Checked last night and the snail is still toting around the crab. I didn't have much time to watch to see if the crab moved.

 

[SubRosa]

I think the term "parasite" in inaccurate. A commensal relationship is more likely. If it's attached, it doesn't eat with the attaching end!

 

[OrionGirl]

As of yesterday, the snail still has the crab buddy.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

LOL...that's awesome.

 

[Nereus7]

Are you trying to make light of a serious question?

Yes. I would love to shed light on this serious question. - N

 

[excuzzzeme]

Any chance they are tied together with ummmm ya know.......like purple string?

 

[fsn77]

I've not seen this before either... Definitely interesting though.

 

[missmeliss]

I'm going to take the side of the crab on this one.... How do we know that the snail is not evil and using its body to keep the crap hostage? Maybe the crab wants its freedom and the snail refuses to grant it!

On a more serious note - I think trying to remove the crab would do more harm to the snail than leaving it be... +1 for the wait and see approach.