Identify

[ejl2529]

Can anyone identify what kind of crab this is below? Also if it is reef safe. Thanks.

 

[j.falk]

The markings remind me of a gaudy clown crab but they aren't that hairy. Some red mithrax crabs have the hairy legs like that.

 

[ejl2529]

could it be a gorilla crab?

 

[samnaz]

could it be a gorilla crab?

are it's pincers black?

 

[ejl2529]

The

are it's pincers black?

The pincers are a brown/tan color

 

[ejl2529]

are it's pincers black?

Here are some maybe better pics.

 

[j.falk]

I really like the coloring on it. I'm curious to find out what it is. I've never seen a crab have those kinds of markings before.

 

[OrionN]

I don't know the species, but if the pincher tips are sharp and pointed, I recommend you remove him. If pincher tips are spoon-shaped, meaning he will mainly eat algae, he can stay in the DT IMO.

 

[ejl2529]

I don't know the species, but it the pincher tips are sharp and pointed, I recommend you remove him. If pincher tips are spoon-shaped, meaning he will mainly eat algae, he can stay in the DT IMO.

What do you mean by spoon shaped? Like emerald crabs?

 

[OrionN]

What do you mean by spoon shaped? Like emerald crabs?

Yes

 

[ejl2529]

I took a close up pic of the pincers.

 

[OrionN]

He should be banished to the sump.

 

[ejl2529]

He should be banished to the sump.

Okay thanks.

 

[ScottR]

Very few crabs can be trusted in a reef tank. They’re opportunistic mostly and eat whatever they feel like, especially when their typical diet isn’t available.

 

[j.falk]

Very few crabs can be trusted in a reef tank. They’re opportunistic mostly and eat whatever they feel like, especially when their typical diet isn’t available.

Can you name some crabs that would be okay in a reef?

 

[ScottR]

Can you name some crabs that would be okay in a reef?

Porcelain crabs (not true crabs). Emeralds mostly. Strawberry crabs. Pom pom crabs are good as well. That’s just off the top of my head. There aren’t many, but there may be more.

 

[vetteguy53081]

looks like a Xanthid in the genus Paractaea. I would remove as suggested.
if in doubt, pull it out Always

 

[samnaz]

Can you name some crabs that would be okay in a reef?

Emerald/ruby mithrax crabs (from reef cleaners in particular), anemone or porcelain crabs, small sally lightfoot crabs, boxer crabs. As stated above almost all are opportunistic feeders, with most crabs you are throwing the dice and taking a big risk. Keep that in mind. I’ve had a couple model citizens, luckily, but a few terrors that ruined most crabs for me (ie thin stripe hermit). Unless they are absolutely needed for the cuc like for bubble algae, I just don’t recommend them.

 

[ejl2529]

He should be banished to the sump.

If I put this crab in a small tank that just has a full grown clown fish in it, would that be fine?

 

[Oropher]

Loo

Here are some maybe better pics.

Looks like a mithrax crab, very handy for algae, like the emerald crab