Hitch hiking crab help

[haleyf1024]

Hey guys! So, I was looking in my sump and found this little guy on my return pump's sponge. No idea how he got through the filter socks, climbed a 13" wall, through a fuge, and up over another wall and through the filter sponge and bags of purigen. But, he somehow managed to do it. He is now back in the fuge compartment, which has new macro algea so I am hoping he decides to stay there, lol. Anyone have any ideas on what type of crab he is? Will he harm my 2 ghost shrimp living in my fuge? I think he may be from the Majoidea family, but I have no idea for sure. He is grey in color, with a slightly pink tint. Maybe is is just a plain old decorator crab? My live rock is from Florida, and I have already found a red mithrax crab and a pink porcelain crab from it (The rock has been in my system for 5 ish months)

 

[Tahoe61]

Looks like a Decorator Crab of sorts, I would not be too concerned. As they get larger then you make a decision weather you like the stuff (sponges, zoanthids, algae) more than you like the crab carrying them around.

 

[haleyf1024]

I don't mind if he snips off a zoanthid or two and some macro, will he be wearing it and letting it grow on himself or will he just be killing the stuff and dumping it in different places?

 

[haleyf1024]

Also, does he pose a threat to the ghost shrimp in my sump? I have 2 as part of the ecosystem down there and have grown really fond of them, lol.

 

[Wiz]

+1 on decorator

 

[Tahoe61]

No they wear it.

Here is a link for crabs.

Crab Hitch Hikers

If you buy a $50.00 per head polyp you might not want the crab to carry it around. Myself I think they are cool cool creatures.

 

[haleyf1024]

Oh no, my LFS had some JF zoas that had fallen off the frag plug and they gave me them for $10 so I don't mind if he steals a few, and they are starting to multiply so there are some to spare for him. If he is only about 3/4 inch right now, when is he big enough that he needs the camo and to be in the display tank?

 

[haleyf1024]

Will he try to use the feather duster in my sump?

 

[Wiz]

They can use anything if they want. But not defanitly. Mine had an anemone on its head. Lol he's an arrow decorator.

 

[JAWS 32]

Cool crab! Good for you, giving him a chance and putting him in you fuge!

 

[haleyf1024]

Thanks! I don't think I have ever taken any hitch hiker out of my tank. If they are naturally occurring, I don't mind them doing their job in my tank, even if it is wearing some zoas lol.

 

[JAWS 32]

I agree 100%!! They do not choose to come to us, so when they do, we should only be fair and give them a chance.. can't wait to see him all decked out! lol