Hitchhiker Crab Opinions

[Annahra]

Just caught this guy climbing on my sponge. His front claws seem pretty small (he's maybe the size of a dime right now, legs included). Can I put him back? Should I dispose of him? I hate killing things... Rock originated in FL. Everything I'm reading says small nondescript crabs like this are nearly impossible to ID with any kind of certainty.

Tank is 24g with sponges, soft corals, and small fish. Sorry for the messy container--grabbed the closest thing which happened to be a Tupperware that I used to rinse carbon and then left in a bucket to collect dust.

Thanks!

 

[Mike N]

Any way you could get another picture from the front?
Legs remind me of red ridged clinging crab:

 

[Annahra]

A. There is an embarrassing amount of dog hair in this glass. I swear I vacuum and keep my house clean.

B. Don't tell the boyfriend I put a crab in one of our drinking glasses.

 

[Mike N]

A. I believe you haha
B. I'm tellin'!

Well, I think my initial ID of red ridged clinging crab is correct. Legs match and the white tips on the claws are there. I also believe I can see the spikes along the top sides of the body that are unique to this flavor of mithrax.

 

[scriptmonkey]

If it is, then they are reef safe! Congrats on the freebee!

 

[Mike N]

If it is, then they are reef safe! Congrats on the freebee!

Nice profile pic ;Joyful

 

[Annahra]

Thanks for the scientific name! The ID checks out, especially considering his origin. I specifically hadn't added a mithrax crab since they're questionable once larger, but the odds are in his favor enough I can't murder him. Back in he goes!

Hopefully I didn't damage him or my sponge getting him out. Panicked a little bit because I have two little crabs and I haven't been able to get a good look at either.

 

[Mike N]

Glad to help and im happy you decided to keep it. I would have done the same.
Just pray that its female so it wont grow into a giant after a couple molts lol

 

[Annahra]

Glad to help and im happy you decided to keep it. I would have done the same.
Just pray that its female so it wont grow into a giant in a couple molts lol

I shall remember your name and curse it when he destroys my xenia lolol.

 

[Mike N]

Hahah I think you'll be just fine

 

[Annahra]

Hahah I think you'll be just fine

... because no one but me likes xenia anyway?

 

[Katrina71]

... because no one but me likes xenia anyway?

Love Xenia!

 

[Annahra]

Love Xenia!

Me too but I'm new to keeping corals and I love watching it. Apparently some day it's going to take over my aquarium.

 

[scriptmonkey]

I try to take the approach of innocent until you screw up then you will see the angry sky god and my full wrath.

 

[Katrina71]

I am afraid to get any. I may have a Xenia tank beside of my bed just for fun.

 

[Annahra]

I am afraid to get any. I may have a Xenia tank beside of my bed just for fun.

Afraid?! There is no fear in saltwater! I'm planning on my xenia, GSP, and Kenya tree having a battle to the death over who takes over the tank first.

That's assuming I don't kill one or all of them first.

 

[scriptmonkey]

Afraid?! There is no fear in saltwater! I'm planning on my xenia, GSP, and Kenya tree having a battle to the death over who takes over the tank first.

That's assuming I don't kill one or all of them first.

Sounds like a awesome pay-per-view fight!

 

[Annahra]

Sounds like a awesome pay-per-view fight!

I'm also taking bets on how long it will take my dottyback to finally decide to eat one or both of my peppermint shrimp.

And the boyfriend wonders why I spend all my time staring at my aquarium now...

Seriously though it seems like literally everything in saltwater is calculated risk. There's no safe-zone.

 

[Scrappy RN]

And the boyfriend wonders why I spend all my time staring at my aquarium now...

I thought I was the only one who sits and stares at my tank, lol! Glad I have company!! My tank is still cycling and I'm dying to get some other stuff in the tank. Your little hitchhiker is cute at least, even if he is planning on world dominion one day! [emoji6] And as a fellow newby, I LOVE pulsing xenias and waving xenias, etc!

 

[Annahra]

All the movement just makes them seem more alive!