What in the world is on my crabs leg? Clearly not normal.

[xxjokerxx0415]

So I barely see my emerald crab and when I do it’s a small piece of her. And finally I caught her out her burrow and was able to snap a picture of the cotton ball on her “knee”? Was wondering if anyone knows what this is. I’m always staring into my tank so I always catch diseases early when and if they are any. Can someone tell if this is a disease, what type, and how to treat it?

 

[fishguy242]

@Casket_Case ??

 

[xxjokerxx0415]

@Casket_Case ??

 

[afrokobe]

Probably a sponge? Its hard to tell

 

[N.Sreefer]

Could you get a closer picture? It looks like a pineapple sponge growing on the crabs legs. Not exactly normal but algae grows on their legs so it would likely be a good attachment point for a sponge

 

[xxjokerxx0415]

Probably a sponge? Its hard to tell

I get a clear pic of the crab but the nasty stuff is blurry.

 

[xxjokerxx0415]

Could you get a closer picture? It looks like a pineapple sponge growing on the crabs legs. Not exactly normal but algae grows on their legs so it would likely be a good attachment point for a sponge

That’s as close as I can possibly get lol I’m right up on the glass lol

 

[N.Sreefer]

That’s as close as I can possibly get lol I’m right up on the glass lol

Does it look like this close up?

 

[xxjokerxx0415]

Could you get a closer picture? It looks like a pineapple sponge growing on the crabs legs. Not exactly normal but algae grows on their legs so it would likely be a good attachment point for a sponge

Wait a second I have a brand new tank probably 3months old. You think out of all places a sponge would develop on the crab first

 

[fishguy242]

I get a clear pic of the crab but the nasty stuff is blurry.

is the leg a darker color than the others,
looks darker to me, and also think type of sponge,should molt off.

 

[xxjokerxx0415]

Does it look like this close up?

that’s exactly what it looks like up close when I shine my phone like on it.

 

[xxjokerxx0415]

is the leg a darker color than the others,
looks darker to me, and also think type of sponge,should molt off.

They all have the same color to me when I shine my phone light on him

 

[xxjokerxx0415]

Does it look like this close up?

Phone light*

 

[afrokobe]

that’s exactly what it looks like up close when I shine my phone like on it.

Pineapple sponge it is then. I wouldnt worry too much. If he's irritated, he will probably remove it himself

 

[xxjokerxx0415]

Pineapple sponge it is then. I wouldnt worry too much. If he's irritated, he will probably remove it himself

You guys are awesome. Thank you!!!!!

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Wait a second I have a brand new tank probably 3months old. You think out of all places a sponge would develop on the crab first

I agree, I don't think a sponge would grow on a crab leg, much less in a 3 month old tank.

It looks like Saprolegnea fungus, but that doesn't grow in marine aquariums.

I would just try removing it, crabs cannot repair their shells except when they molt, so there is some risk in doing that, but I wonder if it is just something that got stuck there. I've seen filter floss get stuck to crabs before.

Jay

 

[N.Sreefer]

I agree, I don't think a sponge would grow on a crab leg, much less in a 3 month old tank.

It looks like Saprolegnea fungus, but that doesn't grow in marine aquariums.

I would just try removing it, crabs cannot repair their shells except when they molt, so there is some risk in doing that, but I wonder if it is just something that got stuck there. I've seen filter floss get stuck to crabs before.

Jay

Its actually not the first time Ive seen pineapple sponges growing on an emerald crab. Heres an example

 

[vetteguy53081]

Pineapple sponge no doubt and derives from silicates often associated with dry rock, newer sand or expired di resin media

 

[moz71]

Emerald crab trying to be a decorator crab! Lol