The anemone dwelling Neopetrolisthes maculatus is relatively common at Kwajalein. Nearly every Cryptodendrum adhaesivum and Stichodactyla haddoni anemone will host a pair, and they can also be found on other anemones, such as Stichodactyla mertensii. The ends of a pair of anterior appendages bear long, thin, close set branching filaments that they use to scoop plankton out of the water. After holding their "nets" out for a few seconds, they pull them in, causing the filaments to come together, and another brush-like appendage scrapes off any accumulated plankton right into the crab's mouth.
The crab below is in an anemone that has undergone bleaching due to excessively warm water.
Created 10 September 2018