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withdrawn to the center of their bodies have lattice-like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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