Tiny crabs inside razor clams - what are they?

[Heartsblood]

I've never seen this before but today's dig from mocrocs had about a dozen or so tiny little crabs inside the clams. Noticed them when I was cleaning them. What kind of crabs are these? About the size of a pinky fingernail or smaller.

[CastleRocker]

I think they are Pea Crabs.  At least that's what I've always heard them called. 

[Remnar]

I think they are Pea Crabs.  At least that's what I've always heard them called.

Me too. They are not uncommon.

[WaHeadhunter]

Apparently clams get crabs, maybe they should be more careful! 

[pianoman9701]

Pea crabs. You'll find them in oysters, too. It's like a tiny crunchy treat. 

[KP-Skagit]

Find them all the time in big butters, but they are orange. Up to the size of a quarter.

How big were the razors? I suspect they are on the larger size given the seasons or lack thereof. Probably makes more room for house guests.

[Jake Dogfish]

The larger pea shaped crabs found in horse clams are a different species.  Their are also small crabs that live in varnish clams.

[Heartsblood]

Thanks erryone. Appreciated.

We did get some nice sized ones (and a coupla dinks too), and it makes sense that with the missed season last year there would be bigger ones. 

Me and Lisa's near limits from yesterday:

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Once in a while I'll find a big leach in a clam.

[Ronquillo08]

Once in a while I'll find a big leach in a clam.

There are leaches in Saltwater?

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Once in a while I'll find a big leach in a clam.

There are leaches in Saltwater?

Yup. There are many different kinds. The ones you find in razor clams are flat and about the color of clam flesh.  Crab leeches are kind of purplish in color. and look more like a worm. This photo is not of a razor clam leech, but look similar.

[Ronquillo08]

Learn something new every day

[steeleywhopper]

We find those little white crabs inside of the Manilla clams we dig up in the San Juans as well. Extra flavor..

[C-Money]

I've found little crabs in steamer clams. They looked like tiny dungeness crabs...Interesting topic