Crab ID and Anemone ID

Fish & Invertebrate sightings and descriptions, hosted by resident NWDC ID expert Janna Nichols (nwscubamom).
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carlk3
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Crab ID and Anemone ID

Post by carlk3 »

Any idea what this crab is? He's about 1 inch wide. To me it looks like he has few plants stuck on himself, so I like the idea he's a Decorator Crab, but he doesn't look like the ones in pictures.
microcrab3b.jpg
I assume this is a Sea Anemone, but I can't find pictures of ones so branchy. Any ideas?
treemec1.jpg
Both are from Edmonds this morning.

Thanks,
Carl
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nwscubamom
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Re: Crab ID and Anemone ID

Post by nwscubamom »

Hi Carl!

I'd say your crab is Pugettia gracilis, the Graceful Kelp Crab. It's found in kelpy areas, and it's a bit of a decorator crab, often attaching kelp to itself.

Your anemone-looking thing is an Orange Sea Cucumber (yeah, the long body is tucked away among the rocks hidden out of view). Cucumeria miniata.

Looks like you had a blast today!

- Janna
Janna Nichols
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dwashbur
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Re: Crab ID and Anemone ID

Post by dwashbur »

I highly recommend taking one of Janna's REEF critter ID classes. She covers lots of those critters and they're a lot of fun in the process.
Dave

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carlk3
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Re: Crab ID and Anemone ID

Post by carlk3 »

Thanks for the IDs and the REEF recommendation.
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