Jeweled Anemone Crab going after Partridge Tun Snail

I spend about an hour watching this crab going after the snail. I can only guess it wanted a new home that was unfortunately presently occupied? Prior to setting the video on the action, a black spot sergeant made some obvious attempts at tasting the snail and the crab seemed to take exception to this.

[@nel1962]

The crab wanted that shell bad. Tried to evict the snail.

[@lupus16309]

2:00, mmmm… dinner on the half-shell

[@erehwyrevekool]

Thanks for sharing Don, excellent video as always you do.
Greetings from Taranto, Italy

[@TibbiScott]

Awesome video.
My sweetie was amazed the snail didn't withdraw into the shell as if would do if a human picked it up. Any thoughts on why it didn't.

[@donmcleish]

I am not familiar with either of these critters but have seen the anemone crabs a few times. According to Hoover's book, the snail is nocturnal and is typically hidden in the sand during the day. Perhaps the snail was more concerned with getting buried and out of harms way than tucking away while exposed?

[@notsunkyet]

Hi Tibbi S, If you mean the crab when he picked it up... maybe it's because the crab is too big for it's current shell and can't withdraw inside of it, and why it was so determined to evict the snail from it's shell. Just a guess.
The housing market is fierce in that neighborhood, it's a sellers market. :) The crab probably offered to leave behind a couple of Jeweled Anemones too. :)
This is why divers ought not remove empty shells as souvenirs.
Thanks again for sharing your awesome footage!

[@alysononoahu8702]

hey hey.... why did you move that crab!!!!!