Emerald crab with one very large claw

[seldin]

I bought several Emerald crabs for my tank. One of the crabs has one front extremely large claw and his other front claw is much smaller. Is that normal, did he lose the smaller claw and it is growing back, or is that just how some crabs grow.

Both front claws look fully functional.

Thank you,

 

[Tennyson]

The smaller claw is most likely growing back after falling off earlier. their claws are usually the same size.

 

[philter4]

Are you sure they are both emerald crabs? There are quite a few species of fiddler crabs, and in those species all of the males have one claw that is bigger then the other. It is used for territorial disputes and displaying to females.

 

[seldin]

Philter4,

Actually, I thought I saw a picture of a crab that had one claw bigger than the rest. In addition, this crab is quite big, compared to the others.

If I can, I will post a picture, however, I rarely see him, mostly at night.

Thank you for your input.