Crazy crab!
- Thread starter Moomee
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It seems to be a "Hairy Crab" (Pilumnus sp.), possibly a Spineback Hairy Crab (Pilumnus sayi), it's basically a "gorilla crab" from a hobbyist perspective, but that term actually refers to crabs from the stone crab family Xanthidae, while this guy (if my ID is accurate) would be from the family Pilumnidae. It's not reef safe, but it is pretty neat.I’ve seen a lot of crabs in my time in reef keeping, but never a purple/white super fuzzy one! It had to have come on my KP rock I got back in September. Anyone able to ID?
vetteguy53081
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May be Hairy Squat Lobster which looks like a crab as hairy crabs are neutral color
Pilumnus sayi is native to the Keys. Suggestions for crab removal (the thread is short):
Advise for removing crab hitchhiker
Hello! I run a 20 gallon tank with a few easy keeper corals. I’ve had the tank for close to a year now and last night I noticed a crab hiding between the rock work in my aquarium. Based on what I’ve read it’s rare for these guys to be beneficial and was wondering if anyone had advice for finding...
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Moomee
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Thanks for the tips. I used the shot glass and piece of shrimp and was able to catch the gorilla and a smaller, less menacing looking crab. Does this one seem reef safe?Pilumnus sayi is native to the Keys. Suggestions for crab removal (the thread is short):
Advise for removing crab hitchhiker
Hello! I run a 20 gallon tank with a few easy keeper corals. I’ve had the tank for close to a year now and last night I noticed a crab hiding between the rock work in my aquarium. Based on what I’ve read it’s rare for these guys to be beneficial and was wondering if anyone had advice for finding...
I'm not sure - I'm not actually very adept at crab ID (I recognized the Pilumnus because it's very visibly unique), and I don't recognize the species right off the bat. Hopefully someone else will be able to ID for you.Thanks for the tips. I used the shot glass and piece of shrimp and was able to catch the gorilla and a smaller, less menacing looking crab. Does this one seem reef safe?
vetteguy53081
Well known Member and monster tank lover
Partner Member 2024
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Much better pic. The only one I can think of like this as there are hundreds of crabs out there is a palicid crabThanks for the tips. I used the shot glass and piece of shrimp and was able to catch the gorilla and a smaller, less menacing looking crab. Does this one seem reef safe?
