Crab - good or bad?

[Raphael Dalmeida]

Hi guys,

Can you I'd this crab came as hitchhiker in a coral.

Macro shot crab top

Upside down photo

Thanks

 

[VintageReefer]

@ISpeakForTheSeas can help

My understanding was that black tip crabs are bad

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

@ISpeakForTheSeas can help

My understanding was that black tip crabs are bad

Yeah, black-tipped claws are generally a no-go - OP, your crab is a (male) Xanthid crab, so it's not reef-safe; I would guess it's a Leptodius species, probably L. affinis (though I can't rule out L. exaratus altogether).

The good news is, these species stay pretty small, but I'd still sump it where it can't get to any wires if possible.

 

[Raphael Dalmeida]

Yeah, black-tipped claws are generally a no-go - OP, your crab is a (male) Xanthid crab, so it's not reef-safe; I would guess it's a Leptodius species, probably L. affinis (though I can't rule out L. exaratus altogether).

The good news is, these species stay pretty small, but I'd still sump it where it can't get to any wires if possible.

Thank you for th very insightful answer.

Are there any benefits on keeping them ? Even in the sump?

Only place I have no wires in the sump is my refugium, but they could still leave it through the overflow.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Thank you for th very insightful answer.

Are there any benefits on keeping them ? Even in the sump?

Only place I have no wires in the sump is my refugium, but they could still leave it through the overflow.

Aside from keeping a neat crab, no, there wouldn't be any real benefits.

 

[OrionN]

You can cook him.
In the sump he will be fine and able to get bit of food that float down to there. The sump is where most of us banish unwanted animal. This crab will be a scavenger down there instead of a hunter up in the main tank.

 

[Gabbone]

Sump or flush

 

[Raphael Dalmeida]

My Valentini puffer fish enjoyed the snack

 

[kjkszpj9]

Only benefits is that you dont have to kill it when in sump and its pretty cute lookin, i wouldnt want to hurt an animal if i know it can live in my sump.

 

[Raphael Dalmeida]

Only benefits is that you dont have to kill it when in sump and its pretty cute lookin, i wouldnt want to hurt an animal if i know it can live in my sump.

Well he is now part of the circle of life, my puffer has eaten him. Rest in peace.

 

[kjkszpj9]

Well he is now part of the circle of life, my puffer has eaten him. Rest in peace.

Well i guess thats atleast more humane than flushing it down the toilet atleast, im not gonna lie i always feed gorilla crabs i find at work on acros to the triggerfish and puffers.