Crab...its whats for dinner

[nice-diver]

saw this today in newport

[Dusty2]

The question is "What's got him?" I can see the crab legs but can't make out what's having him for dinner.

[nice-diver]

its an anemone

[Dusty2]

I thought so but I was told they don't eat crabs. Hmmm guess the pros don't know it all!

[Tangfish]

Oh they eat crabs alright, all you have to do to find that out is to stick one in.... not that anyone here would ever try that *peers over shoulder*

[Sounder]

I realize they DO eat crabs, but how does it work (mechanically)? Are they like seastars that extrude their stomach and digest things that way? Do they use another method?

[Greg Jensen]

I can't imagine what "pro" would say that anemones don't eat crabs- they are a common prey item for species like painted anemones (Urticina crassicornis) and others. I've usually seen it happen when there isn't a solid surface for the crab to grip on to, as they can usually pull away if they have good footing. They frequently snuggle up with their butts against the base of the anemone, which doesn't seem to bright, but then again they are just crabs.
Given their sharp, strong claws and the soft anemone one would think that they could easily chop their way out but that doesn't seem to be the case. I always assumed they were stunned by the nematocysts, but having pulled some of my crabs out of the stomachs of anemones in my tanks, I know they are still lively and seem just fine. Maybe they just get lulled to sleep on that comfy waterbed and never wake up.
They don't extrude their stomach- just take food in and digest it. Since the mouth is the anemone's only opening, that's also where the leftovers come out.

[nwscubamom]

That looks like a Columbia Sand Anemone, and a Red Rock Crab. That's all I can can contribute.

Well, I'm no pro by any means...but I never knew they ate crab either! You're right, it seems to not make sense that this hard shelled critter could be gobbled up by a pile of goo. Now I know....

And Calvin, I'm watching you..... I have my spy cameras everywhere!

- Janna

[nice-diver]

When i flicked the "left" leg, it moved, so maybe it was a fresh killing; the other legs didn't respond.