Crab ID

[mattybecks]

Saw this little guy scuttling across the sand and rocks this morning before disappearing.
I checked out the sticky thread and they mentioned Gorilla crab on the list.

Is this a small Gorilla crab? How long do I have to remove it if it is?

I have 12 blue legged hermits and two cleaner shrimp. I would ideally not like to see them killed.

 

[Gareth elliott]

I cant see much detail in the video. Personally i dont trust many crabs(only keep pom poms lol). Even ones described as peaceful, can be opportunistic. Id sump it while awaiting an id.
@KJ

 

[mattybecks]

Yeah the little chap was really small and using a zoom you loose some clarity.
I should have just taken him out as soon as I saw him. I was in a rush to get to work so just left him in the main tank.
I hope he appears again.

 

[KJ]

I cant see much detail in the video. Personally i dont trust many crabs(only keep pom poms lol). Even ones described as peaceful, can be opportunistic. Id sump it while awaiting an id.
@KJ

Agree!

 

[mattybecks]

Been looking and moved around a few rocks but can't see him anywhere now.
I was thinking I would just wait until he gets bigger and then catch him ... At what size will he starts causing trouble? Will he munch on my soft corals now? He hasnt caused any noticeable problems yet ...

 

[mattybecks]

Guess who I managed to catch..... and without disturbing any rocks miraculously. Basically walked into my hand this morning. Very bold. Doesn't care if the lights are on or not. He was chilling inside my Anthelia.
His attitude made me immediately quite fond of him.

Is he a Gorilla crab? I seem to think so.... Much clearer footage now.

 

[mattybecks]

Some pics

 

[Tamberav]

He sounds like a fun crab for a pest pico

Otherwise he gets to be a sump king?

 

[mattybecks]

King of the sump When I saw him this morning it seemed like he wasn't actually eating the anthelia, rather "cleaning" up in and around it. The anthelia didn't seem to bothered having him there.