How To Catch A Predator.... Crab

[MDeVito]

Hey guys,
So, turned on my phone flashlight to do a little night time reef watching and found something rather interesting. A small bright red and white crab sifting among the sands. Smart little guy didn't really like the flashlight and already proved he is fast and can wedge into a small space quickly. I figured he isn't too much of a threat, he was near my candy cane coral but wasn't on them. Went to bed and woke up to find my largest candy cane had 1/4 of its flesh eaten.... Now the hunt begins. How would you go about in catching the little guy? Hoping my 6 line finds him before me. Also if you know the species please share!!
Thanks for reading!

 

[twilliard]

If you know the rock he is in pull it out of the water and quick dunk in freshwater and he will drop right out.
Sometimes they will drop once pulled out of the water, I guess they don't like that!

 

[Wilsoni]

Interesting looking crab. Good luck with your catch.

 

[MDeVito]

Yes it is extremely interesting looking and actually beautiful, just not very good for corals. I don't even want to think of what it'll do if it is allowed to get bigger. But the removing of the rock idea might not work. It tends to stay on base rocks that hold up the rest of the structure. Any other ideas?