116 



THE FAMILY AQUARIUM. 



particular as to the character of its last possessor ; he is 

 simplj delicate as to its exact fit ; that quality conceded, 

 he looks no farther, but introduces himself to such an ex- 

 tent that it is impossible to seize and dislodge him. He 

 must be fed, though, with some regularity, and will re- 

 lish bits of almost any animal substance. Raw, lean 

 meat, given him every day, will suit his inclinations and 

 habits exactly, and his movements in feeding are well 

 worthy of careful study. 



The Spider Crab, or Sea Spider {Libinia canaliculata), 

 is also common upon our coast, and is among the most 

 useful of his tribe in the Aquarium, as he is a capital 

 and diligent scavenger. They are very destructive crea- 

 tures among the oyster-beds, as they devour the spawn 

 with incredible voracity. The spider crab, like the her- 

 mit crab, often carries on his shell a number of zoophytes. 

 Some of the actinm seem especially to enjoy this species 

 of locomotion, and indulge in it to an extravagant extent. 

 We have had a spider crab for months in a tank, and find 

 him quite a diverting companion. Now and then he tears 

 the algm from the rockwork, and adorns himself with it, 

 and in this shape presents himself as proudly as though 

 he had just purchased, in some fashionable quarter, a new 

 suit in the latest mode. 



The Climbing Crab {Eurynome as]pera) always insists 

 upon clambering to the topmost object in the tank. The 

 Fiddler Crab may be found scampering awkwardly along 

 the beach everywhere by the seaside, He is astonishing- 



