Northwest Dive Club

Any idea what this crab is? He's about 1 inch wide. To me it looks like he has few plants stuck on himself, so I like the idea he's a Decorator Crab, but he doesn't look like the ones in pictures. I assume this is a Sea Anemone, but I can't find pictures of ones so branchy. Any ideas? Both are from Edmonds this morning.

Thanks,
Carl

Hi Carl!

I'd say your crab is Pugettia gracilis, the Graceful Kelp Crab. It's found in kelpy areas, and it's a bit of a decorator crab, often attaching kelp to itself.

Your anemone-looking thing is an Orange Sea Cucumber (yeah, the long body is tucked away among the rocks hidden out of view). Cucumeria miniata.

Looks like you had a blast today!

- Janna

I highly recommend taking one of Janna's REEF critter ID classes. She covers lots of those critters and they're a lot of fun in the process.

Thanks for the IDs and the REEF recommendation.