Another species identification

[hermitnewb]

I have 4 guys up now, 2 down. I'd like to id them (the ones up). so i will take photos, can you let me know if there's anything I need to take a photo of or if one general crab picture per crab will work. I will probably take photos tomorrow unless they go back down.

[JediMasterThrash]

Sometimes the crabs don't give you much choice on what they'll let you take a picture of!Luckily for me the default "crab tucked tight into shell" is one of my easiest ID pics. You just want to make sure you get a well lighted straight at the big pincher in the opening shot (not at any angle, straight straight into the opening). Seeing both the big pincher and back-left-leg is usually enough to 98% ID most crabs.After that, the second best picture is crab out such that the antenna and eyes are clearly visible.If you are lucky in that shot you can get the front of the big pincher (location of stitch-marks, if there are any). For the most part, the final ambiguities of the big pincher and back-left-leg can be completely discerned via the presence or absence of stitch marks.Antenna/eyes can increase confidence. Alone I only give them a 90% ID rate compared to a good BP shot.