Crab ID

[Jeffcb]

This guy I finally caught. About 2 inches across. He came in with my Caribbean Live Rock. He looks like he has been fighting with the other one.

Unfortunately there is another bigger crab with even bigger claws in there. I ordered a crab trap from amazon. Hopefully it works.

Is it a Gorilla crab. I am sure the other one is. It has pinchers like a Lobster or a Rock Crab.

I think they have started eating my Zoa colony, the orange ones due to hunger. The next 2 picks are before and after pics of the same Zoa colony.

 

[Rtaylor]

Red mithrax? Basically a red version of an emerald crab.

 

[Jeffcb]

Red mithrax? Basically a red version of an emerald crab.

He sure was big. maybe 2 1/2 inches with arms spread.

 

[Jeffcb]

Time to go crabbing for big brother. Wish me luck!

 

[Jeffcb]

No luck catching this crab. I think it is munching on zoanthids. Its huge.
It is bigger than my Flame Angel. I sure wish I could catch it.

 

[JGT]

Trap didn’t work?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Place a piece of shrimp in corner. When crab goes for it, scoop with net

 

[Jeffcb]

Trap didn’t work?

Not yet.

 

[Jeffcb]

Place a piece of shrimp in corner. When crab goes for it, scoop with net

He is way to smart for that. He can see me from the other side of the room. I have been trying to get a pic for a month. There is a smaller on in there also. That one is the big one. I bet he is 4 inches across with claws extended.

I have tried jumbo shrimp and clams on the half shell for bait in the trap . No luck yet. I will get him some day.

 

[vetteguy53081]

He is way to smart for that. He can see me from the other side of the room. I have been trying to get a pic for a month. There is a smaller on in there also. That one is the big one. I bet he is 4 inches across with claws extended.

I have tried jumbo shrimp and clams on the half shell for bait in the trap . No luck yet. I will get him some day.

If he can see you, try in the dark or try mirror which should divert its attention

 

[Jeffcb]

I finally caught this crab! Pest trap didn't work. I netted him at dusk. The 4th and largest I have caught. Hopefully the last. Over 4 inch's wide with claws extended.

 

[JGT]

What type is that? Doesn’t look like a gorilla. Looks like a red mithrax.

 

[Goaway]

What type is that? Doesn’t look like a gorilla. Looks like a red mithrax.

Probably a male. They seem to munch on the corals.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Mithrax Ruber. The Red Mithrax Crab, is a close relative to the emerald. It is kept in aquariums to clean them, Just like the emerald crab. But can grow much bigger and male is more aggressive than the emerald crab species.