Florida Crab ID

Reefing102 · Apr 27, 2022

Hey guys,

Just got some new rock in from Florida. Got this interesting crab. No black claws but really thick claws so don’t believe it’s a gorilla but the pointed claws make me think not reef safe. Here’s some terrible pics. He’s currently hiding in some Cheato in my sump. The bluer pic he’s upside down

vetteguy53081 · Apr 27, 2022

I believe it’s called stone crab

Reefing102 · Apr 27, 2022

That was one of my thoughts but wasn’t sure since the tips weren’t that dark

Peace River · Apr 27, 2022

I don’t remember stone crabs being hairy - at least not the one’s that I have collected. I was thinking maybe something in the pilumnus genus.

WVNed · Apr 27, 2022

I think the official name of that those is Hairy Crab
https://www.bio.fsu.edu/~levitan/speciesofstjoebay/arthropoda/malacostraca/brachyura/hairycrab.php
I got a few and their max size seems to around 4 inches.

Stone crabs have stripes on their legs and the body is smooth. Hairy Crab is hairy.

Peace River · Apr 27, 2022

Good call @WVNed. That is the way I was also leaning - Hairy Crab (Pilumnus sayi), but there are a few others in that genus that are similar. Because the picture is a bit unclear the OP can match what they have to online images of the P. sayi or other P. species.

As a general rule I avoid having crabs in my reef that have black claws or are hairy.

frizzayyyyreef · Apr 27, 2022

Reefing102 said:
Hey guys,

Just got some new rock in from Florida. Got this interesting crab. No black claws but really thick claws so don’t believe it’s a gorilla but the pointed claws make me think not reef safe. Here’s some terrible pics. He’s currently hiding in some Cheato in my sump. The bluer pic he’s upside down

No idea but Looks like a nice zoa killer

WVNed · Apr 27, 2022

They are tiny when you get them. I removed them as they got large. I was still doing it after 2 years. I have not seen any more in the last 6 months.
No need to panic. With patience they are easily caught and removed. It's not hard to chase them to a corner and net them or grab them with tongs. I put them in my sump and fuge.