Crab ID (rock from Florida)

[David3147]

 

[1112-425XL]

Could be this, Pilumnus sayi (Spineback Hairy Crab)
Probably not reef safe

 

[Snoopdog]

I would vote Mithrax Forceps, I got some rock from Florida, had the same crab. This was mine. Mine grew insanely fast when I first found him, but then he leveled out on his growth. I kept him in the sump and he eventually died after about 18 months.

Red-Ridged Clinging Crab - Mithraculus forceps - Spider Crabs - Yellow Coral Crab - Tropical Reefs

Florent's Guide To The Tropical Reefs - Red-Ridged Clinging Crab - Mithraculus forceps - Spider Crabs - Yellow Coral Crab - Spider Crabs - Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida, Bermuda, Gulf of America - Yellow Coral Crab

reefguide.org

 

[Rtaylor]

Agree red mithrax good guy

 

[archercorals]

Likely not reef safe.

 

[Rtaylor]

Likely not reef safe.

Based on what? I’m nearly certain it’s a red mithrax, which is essentially a red ‘emerald’ crab.

 

[JoJosReef]

Likely red mithrax. Get a shot of the claws and can confirm. White flat tips = good guy.

 

[David3147]

Likely red mithrax. Get a shot of the claws and can confirm. White flat tips = good guy.

It does look essentially like a "red" emerald crab. Maybe with the legs slightly more hairy. Claws same as emerald crab's. I guess the question then becomes just hooooooow reef "safe". Prob not 100%. Correct me if wrong, but seems like reef safe with caution = not reef safe. There are like 5 in my rocks. Will leave them through the ugly stages and then donate to someones mantis shrimp if anyone in the CA 91105 area wants them.

 

[Nicholasbar]

Looks like one I found as a hitchhiker on one of my rocks. I took it to my local shop and they said its most likely a red mithrax

 

[vetteguy53081]

Red emerald and should be ok. I trust the females over the males. This one os a male

 

[MoshJosh]

Red Mithrax crab, reef safe WITH CAUTION. Just like your run of the mill emerald crab, they can be model citizens but can also snack on a coral or two.

 

[MoshJosh]

Red emerald and should be ok. I trust the females over the males. This one os a male

THANK YOU! I agree the males seem to go after my corals the females less so!!!

 

[Sump Crab]

Reef safe. I’ve had probably 25 or 30 over the years and only had a problem with one single crab (a female).