Baby emeralds?!

[MrMikeB]

Hey all,

As I was looking over my coral frags I saw something move on my frag of Karl's Candlelight. At first I could not tell what it was - after watching it for a bit I noticed it had claws like an emerald, furry legs like an emerald, but was only about 2mm in total length. I ran for the camera and took a couple shots.

Could it actually be a baby emerald? I have many emeralds in this tank now but it is my understanding that they do not actually propagate in captivity (well and not actually make it to the form we typically see). Any ideas?

I could not get a great shot because he was so small, but here is what I did get: (the white spot is the reflection off the flash on its eyes)

zoomed in a little more:

 

[MrMikeB]

Oooo... aliens?

Here is a non zoomed shot... notice the little guy on the right branch. (Yes, my Karl is bleaching in the middle for some reason.. )

 

[Justin74]

Sure does look like it! You know who I know would be able to tell you too is Ed, last time I was over he pointed out quite a few still in there larval stage gettin eatin up by the fish, quite a sight to see if you havent


-Justin

 

[MrMikeB]

Thats what I am tripping about... larval stage crabs happen all the time, but to actually see one as a miniture adult, now thats something.

I am wondering if it was a hitchhiker on a couple corals I brought in? That would make more sense... in any case, pretty cool!

 

[Justin74]

All the time? Now I definately feel like Ive been livin under this rock to long :lol2:

-Justin

 

[dots]

Id be more worried about the bleaching.......