Is my Arrow Crab Supposed to Do this?

luconi · 01/10/2010, 06:32 PM

My arrow crab has something below the head/body that looks swollen and white. Sometimes, it opens on something like a hinge and there's normally nothing in there. Then it closes back up and goes back to normal. It seems to be healthy. Could this be a female that is ready to lay eggs or something? Thanks!

mod0522 · 01/12/2010, 12:49 AM

That hinge like think under the crab is its 'tail' I believe. The abdomen and tail are tucked under the body, protected by the crabs carapace.

AJSTITAN14 · 01/12/2010, 03:18 PM

Yes, sounds like eggs. The reproductive organs are under that flap which is a modified tail. I doubt the eggs are fertile though.

01/10/2010, 06:32 PM	#1
luconi Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 273	Is my Arrow Crab Supposed to Do this? My arrow crab has something below the head/body that looks swollen and white. Sometimes, it opens on something like a hinge and there's normally nothing in there. Then it closes back up and goes back to normal. It seems to be healthy. Could this be a female that is ready to lay eggs or something? Thanks!

01/12/2010, 12:49 AM	#2
mod0522 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 77	That hinge like think under the crab is its 'tail' I believe. The abdomen and tail are tucked under the body, protected by the crabs carapace.

01/12/2010, 03:18 PM	#3
AJSTITAN14 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 305	Yes, sounds like eggs. The reproductive organs are under that flap which is a modified tail. I doubt the eggs are fertile though.