O. japonicus raptorial appendage

[Gonodactylus]

O. japonicus has 5 more teeth than O. scyllarus. We are not sure why it is so armed, but one possibility is that it feeds more on softer bodied prey such as shrimp. We do know that it tends to be found on more open flats where there should be more shrimp and other soft-bodied prey.


Roy

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/5463O_japonicus_female_molt_skin_April_27_small.jpg

[gozermantis]

wow wouldnt want to mess with him or her swimming around. nice info and pic roy!

[micstarz]

Oh man, when I learned that the dactyl was extendable in smashers I was surprised enough...and now suddenly I learn that some of them have teeth like spearers! The learning never stops!