I've got A CRAB!

RussC · Apr 4, 2018

It never ceases to amaze me how much life is in an aquarium, especially life I didn't put there. Last night I was viewing the tank in the dark and noticed a most unusual crab. Very small, dark green crab with unusually long pinchers. I don't have a picture. And I'm looking for suggestions? I've not seen this type crab before. He was no larger than a dime. But what struck me as unusual were the length of his claws in proportion to his body. I've been looking at images online but not seen anything similar just yet. Any ideas?

Palyzoa · Apr 4, 2018

If you are unsure then you could always catch it and put it in the sump until you figure out more info.

Flexin · Apr 4, 2018

Not sure what else you have in the tank, but long sharp claws don't normally go well with fish.

RussC · Apr 4, 2018

The likelihood I'll even see this guy again is low. Its been 8 months and this is the first time noticing it. It was small. His little pinchers were very tiny.

RussC · Apr 4, 2018

This little guy was small. And his pinchers were very tiny. It was an odd looking crab. I'm more curious than anything. Not worried.

Flexin · Apr 4, 2018

They all start out small, good luck..

saltyfilmfolks · Apr 4, 2018

Could also be a shrimp or lobster.

I thought this was lobster at first.

It’s really hard to I’d most of them. There at just so many.

KJ · Apr 4, 2018

RussC said:
It never ceases to amaze me how much life is in an aquarium, especially life I didn't put there. Last night I was viewing the tank in the dark and noticed a most unusual crab. Very small, dark green crab with unusually long pinchers. I don't have a picture. And I'm looking for suggestions? I've not seen this type crab before. He was no larger than a dime. But what struck me as unusual were the length of his claws in proportion to his body. I've been looking at images online but not seen anything similar just yet. Any ideas?

Google Squat lobster.

ThunderGoose · Apr 4, 2018

I got quite a few tiny crabs with my live rock. There are too many species to identify most of them. Most of mine stayed small and haven't bothered anything.