My Large Amphipod-Inverts-3reef Forums

Matt Rogers · 05-25-2003, 09:58 AM

Check out this big guy that came back from my NSW trip with me:

[smiley=2thumbsup.gif]

He's cool. When he isn't fishing with those feathery antenna, he is burrowing through the sand a lot. I saw a baby one too in the tank.

After I take some water tests, I will try to spot feed it with brine. Although he has been hanging out for a couple weeks, I worry that there is nothing for it to eat. It's already molted once.

Anyway, thought I'd share. It's the size of an olive!!!

Jason McKenzie · 05-25-2003, 11:29 AM

Very cool Matt.

Matt Rogers · 05-25-2003, 11:45 AM

Thanks!

Somebody on RC gave me a great link, looks like it's actually an arthropod!

http://www.enature.com/fieldguide/sh...360&view=1

Jason McKenzie · 05-25-2003, 07:06 PM

Cool and Ugly. A Mole Crab. I never heard of that before. you'll have to keep us updated on it's behavior.

J

mango · 05-25-2003, 10:43 PM

Matt that is one big amphipod! You think my bflys' will like it? hehe...

Wrassman · 05-27-2003, 02:21 AM

[glow=Purple, 1, 80%]That mole crab in the pic (from the magazine) doesn't have his feelers up in the air. Have you seen any with their feelers up? I'm going to see if I can find any pics with their feelers up.

That is one interesting looking beast you have there, Matt... [smiley=smart.gif][/glow]

Wrassman · 05-27-2003, 02:34 AM

[glow=Navy, 1, 80%]I found an article on this page

http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/marinebio/softshore.html

that states that crabs of this type live on both Pacific and Atlantic shores. *They ride the swash, burrow in the sand, and catch planktonic food with their "setose antennae." *Sorry, Matt, you are going to have to find a way to feed them, or put them back... [smiley=bigcry.gif]

At least you know what their names are now, Emerita analoga. *Maybe you can find more info on them from someone who has kept them successfully...[/glow]

Edit: Took me forever to get the URL right...

Matt Rogers · 05-27-2003, 06:02 AM

Thanks Wrassman.
I was going to get a syringe and some airline tubing to feed him since I was not having luck other ways, but after reading that I think I will release him on the local beach. Seems like the thing to do.

:'(

Wrassman · 05-27-2003, 06:20 AM

[glow=Red, 1, 60%]SORRY Matt!!! --- He's very cute, and I hate to see you get rid of him. But, I don't see you able to feed him adequately either. Again, I'm SORRY!!! [smiley=bigcry.gif] [smiley=annoyed.gif] [smiley=bawling.gif] [smiley=confused1.gif] [smiley=sick.gif] [smiley=smartass2.gif] [smiley=sick2.gif] [smiley=tounge2.gif] [smiley=worried.gif][/glow]

Matt Rogers · 05-27-2003, 06:58 AM

No worries. As long as I can get him back to the beach in time, that will be cool. I am surprised he has gone this long.