Anemone/Porcelain Crabs Loosing Claws

[Anthony Kochevar]

I've had two anemone crabs in my 3 gallon pico for almost a year. Both have had several molts with no issues. This last molt "Priscilla" molted she was fine, but two days later I noticed her left big claw was gone. I never found it. Two days ago "Penelope" molted. She was fine after, now today, two days later, she is missing her left big claw and I cannot see it in the tank ether. Not sure what to do and am concerned. I have a one small fish in the tank but the rest is coral.

 

[blaxsun]

Sometimes they lose their claws - it's all good (they're just for show and usually grow back with the next molt or two).

 

[vetteguy53081]

There is an actual answer to this. With porcelains, when they feel threatened or highly stressed, they will drop a claw. The chief purpose of large claw is to defend their territory and not an issue if they dont have it. As you found out- they grow them back. There may be an occupant in tank intimidating causing this. Purpose of dropping their claw or leg is to distract their attacker long enough allowing them to scurry away. Luckily this appendage will regenerate over the next few days and the Porcelain Crab will carry on as if nothing happened.