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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/18/2009 9:24:42 PM
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| I noticed a fairly large number of tiny "bugs" swarming on the surface of an emerald crab. They move fast, swirling around right on the surface, but seem to stay right on the crab. Any idea what they are? Maybe parasites? They don't seem to be anywhere else nearby.
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Group: Moderators
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| Hi, I suspect they are some sort of protozoans, but without an image, it will be impossible to tell. There are some very tiny, very odd, specialized crustaceans that parasitize other crustaceans, but they don't tend to move. Of all things I can think of that would fit into the category of "bugs" as opposed to, say, "worms," ciliates are more likely to fill the bill. They may or may not be harmless. The question becomes one of what, exactly, are they feeding one. Crustaceans are generally pretty clean and don't have things like this unless they are suffering some sort of distress. However, all of this is just guessing. 
Cheers, Ron
"The difference in mind between man and the higher animals, great as it is, certainly is one of degree and not of kind. The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man." Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/18/2009 9:24:42 PM
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| They are still there..... Just pinpoint whitish dots, swirling around quite fast. I would have to capture one and take a photomicrograph to get you any more info, and don't have the equipment to do that. Looks like we are stumped. Well, if the crab dies, I will blame it on the white dots!
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Group: Moderators
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| Hi, The description does sound like ciliates. You said,"If the crab dies, I will blame it on the white dots." That is probably not necessary, because there is no evidence of cause and effect. These creatrures are probably not the cause of an ailment. These things may be there because the crab is ill, but they are probably rather more like scavengers taking advantage of the situation. If the crab molts, that might tell us a bit. Check and see if the dots are still on the old molted exuvia and the new exterior of the crab. One of the functions of molting is to get rid of pests on the outside of the arthropod. If they are in one or the other of the places, it might provide a clue as to what they are doing.  Presuming the crab molts, of course.
Cheers, Ron
"The difference in mind between man and the higher animals, great as it is, certainly is one of degree and not of kind. The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man." Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/18/2009 9:24:42 PM
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| A couple of months later, and they are still there, no apparent effect to the crab. And not seen elsewhere in the tank.
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Group: Moderators
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| Hi, Interesting. I sure would like to see a good crisp, clear, image of them. 
Cheers, Ron
"The difference in mind between man and the higher animals, great as it is, certainly is one of degree and not of kind. The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man." Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
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