236 THE PHOLAS ANT) SHORE-CRAB. 



the siphonal appendages when withdrawn ; and when 

 disturbed, the poor Pholas leaves only this part in 

 view. I have frequently seen the Fiddler-Crab 

 embrace a Pholas in his claws, and struggle to pull 

 him from his seat. On one occasion this operation was 

 performed successfully, much to my annoyance, as I 

 had been at some trouble to saw the rock away in 

 order to watch easily every movement of the animal 

 within. At night when I looked into the tank my 

 pet was safe; next morning it was wedged under 

 some pebbles, and the crab was feasting leisurely 

 upon his tender flesh. 



It is most amusing to watch the Blennies, too, 

 attack a Pholas, cast into the tank, and to witness 

 their mode of pecking at and shaking their victim, 

 and turning innumerable somersaults with it in their 

 mouths. The strength they exhibit in these man- 

 oauvres is perfectly astounding. 



About two hours after they had received one 

 of their favourite 'muttons' to feast upon, I peeped 

 into the aquarium, and found, as I expected, the 

 Blennies hard at their work of destruction. Behind 

 them, among some bushy tufts of /. edulis, the little 

 crab, before alluded to, was seated. In his arms he 

 held an object unlike anything I had seen on sea or 

 land. It appeared like a slender stick of beautifully 

 iridescent opal. My amazement at this sight may 

 readily be conceived, for I had not the remotest idea 

 as to how he had become possessed of such a prize. 



