New hitchhiker spotted - filter feeding crab!

[PrivateJoker64]

Six months after the last LR was added, tonight I saw for the first time a filter feeding crab! I haven't seen anything like it anywhere.
It is mostly pinkish, covered with purple spots. It has relatively large, smooth claws, and a "fan" that it waves in the water to catch particulate food. It makes a pass with its fan, then brings the fan to its mouth. I've only seen it using one fan, on its left side, but it may have one on the right as well. See pics, and sorry about the quality.
Anyone seen one before?
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/65290Filter_retracted.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/65290Filter_extended.jpg

[Putawaywet]

Anemone crabs are relatively common in the hobby but I can't remember seeing one squatting in rockwork before.

Brett

[Phyl]

Porcelain Crab? I have a dozen of these, at least. So far they've proven to be quite harmless and very adept at reproducing. The red crabs that resemble the emeralds are dastardly though! I've had 5 of those that I've yanked.

[PrivateJoker64]

Are anemone crabs filter feeders?

[aquaman67]

Here's a close up...

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/36151Porcelain_Crab_1.jpg


I have about a dozen red porcelain crabs as hitchhiker from my TBS rock.

TBS sells them for $8 each.

If you go to reefkeeping magazine past issues, may 2003, has one on the cover...here's the link...scroll to may...

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/past3.htm

If you click on the cover, then go to the bottom of the new page is the cover credits which has the latin name.

They are harmless and fun to watch!

[PrivateJoker64]

That's the critter alright.
Funny he could hide out for so long.

[Putawaywet]

Originally posted by PrivateJoker64
Are anemone crabs filter feeders?

I always considered them as such. Aren't their front apendages adapted for straining the water column? Yes/no/maybe? Perhaps I have them confused with something else.

Brett

[melev]

That is a porcelain crab, or at least in that family. The one you have is not the kind that lives in an anemone, and is reef-safe. Beautiful crabs. I have a picture of one that is similar.

http://www.dfwmas.com/newsletters_html_format/2004July/porcelain.jpg

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/0704/porcelain1.jpg

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/0704/porcelain2.jpg

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/0704/porcelain3.jpg

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/0704/porcelain4.jpg

[divewsharks]

they are filter feeders,

[PrivateJoker64]

Great pics, Mark! Mine is the same, except of course the color. Mine is purplish and pink.
I didn't know porcelains were filter feeders.

[divewsharks]

they are crabs, so they will likely also scavenge if the opportunity presents itself, but their primary feeding method is filter feeding.

[Gargausius]

They are for sure filter feeders. Phytoplankton, protozoans, diatoms, dinoflagellates, and other microscopic critters are the only acceptable foodstuffs. Baby brine shrimp is too big and will not be eaten at all (this is from experience). In fact, these guys don't feed on zooplankton much. This is indeed what others have said, to be a Porcelain Crab (Neopetrolesthes sp.) and are related to Anemone Crabs. 100% reef safe, lucky stiff you. They're gorgeous. By the way, nice pics melev.

In case you're wondering, there are three known species of Anemone Crabs in the hobby. One of them is Neopetrolesthes oshimai. The other one is Neopetrolesthes maculatus. I totally forgot what the third was.

[Gargausius]

I forgot to mention, the crab's claws are not designed for picking off the rocks. They're too large and clumsy. The positioning of the claws also don't lend to the use of picking. Look at the tips of the pinchers, they aren't down turned like that of a bottom feeding crab. These claws are for defense and display only. I've never seen them being used for feeding. These crabs however, are very clingy to rocks. Just additional info.

[PrivateJoker64]

It's been in there for over six months, and I saw it last night for the first time. Nowhere to be seen tonight. I hope I don't have to wait another six months.

[Alamo]

Stunning crab melev..... !!!!

[Gargausius]

Just check from time to time, they're very shy crabs and like I said very clingy to the rocks.

[melev]

Thanks guys. It was great being able to take those pictures. I got some short video of it filter feeding too, but I don't believe I ever put it online.

[bboygraphix]

those photos are awesome!