ID please crab unknown

basile · Apr 12, 2014

Found this little bugger tried a few crab sites; not sure if its full grown, hitchicker found in the sand, near macroalgae debris an detritus, figuring its his thing however never know with these guys. Friend or foe.

About the size of a bean

from the top

Reefing Madness · Apr 12, 2014

Hey Bas!! Man you get the neatest things for your tank. That lil dude I've not seen before.

MrDJeep123 · Apr 12, 2014

Looks a bit like a sponge crab. Just no sponge.

Naiad · Apr 12, 2014

Naked sponge crab!

basile · Apr 12, 2014

Naiad said:
Naked sponge crab!

i thought so too but i came across Atergatis subdentatus

MrDJeep123 · Apr 12, 2014

basile said:
i thought so too but i came across Atergatis subdentatus

It's a female, I believe, whatever crab it is. Females have a broader apron, while male crabs have a sharper, more triangular apron on their abdomen. Cool thing to have regardless.

Squishie89 · Apr 12, 2014

Kind of makes sense with all the sponges you have! She is ADORABLE!

fishroomlady · Apr 12, 2014

I agree! My first thought was it's so CUTE!

Naiad · Apr 12, 2014

I'm no expert but I think it is to round to be subdentatus. They are more flat on top.

Rob&Gab · Apr 12, 2014

omg if my girlfriend saw this. i think im gonna get one. (TIME TO RESEARCH)!

basile · Apr 13, 2014

i'm also establishing this ID Family: Xanthidae, Genus: Atergatis.. and thats what i found about it.

Quote; Xanthidae crabs are known as being "the worst crabs to keep in a reef tank"

So end of line , for the little guy its sump time when i find him lol.