Need ID on this crab on Pom Pom Polyp

Tuan Black · Jan 3, 2017

Bought Wavy Hand/ Pom Pom polyp and this guy was inside the large polyp.. Read some crabs eat the polyps and need to be removed the polyp is in my QT tank. If the grab is bad will remove and kill.

also notice polyps don't open like they did the first 2 days. Qt tank running for 4 mnths and Para are right on. Have 1 AI 26 HD light on QT tank. any help would be great. thnks guys

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 3, 2017

Hi.
Carbs are hard to identify. is may be a crab that is good for the coral. Ill get some help. #reefsquad @Roboson
Can you try to get a better picture.
what kind of coral is it on? does it stay on that coral?

Roboson · Jan 3, 2017

Uhhhhh. Well... ummm... I have no idea.

A better picture and more info about where it hangs out, when it's out and about, and where the coral came from would help.

Joshky · Jan 3, 2017

Good luck with a proper ID OP.

saltyfilmfolks said:
may be a crab that is good for the coral.

You mean because it's eating it right?

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 3, 2017

Roboson said:
Uhhhhh. Well... ummm... I have no idea.

A better picture and more info about where it hangs out, when it's out and about, and where the coral came from would help.

really. wow, iv seen you pull down some long shots too.

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 3, 2017

Joshky said:
Good luck with a proper ID OP.

You mean because it's eating it right?

No. I have two living in my coral right now. Google symbiotic crab. also symbiotic shrimp. the shrimp are generally cuter. some are just cartoon characters. Im always on the hunt for those.
or are you saying it looks like Xenia

psidriven · Jan 3, 2017

might be a xenia crab. quick search says they're commensal but may feed on damaged xenia.

Roboson · Jan 3, 2017

Xenia swimming crab seems to be it. I can't find an actual scientific name, but it doesn't look particularly dangerous to anything. Just make sure to target feed it so it doesn't go looking for food.

Tuan Black · Jan 3, 2017

Ill try to get a better pic. bought this wavy hand polyp from liveaqua

ria and put in QT tank. ( The Anthelia Thick Stem Waving Hand Coral) notice crab today since polyps look like they wont open. that's the best I can do with the pic, I only have a iphone for photos.

Tuan Black · Jan 3, 2017

Roboson said:
Xenia swimming crab seems to be it. I can't find an actual scientific name, but it doesn't look particularly dangerous to anything. Just make sure to target feed it so it doesn't go looking for food.

Found it, its in my QT tank so ill just see it go bye bye, and hope my Xenia can recover. notice my Xenia has some small cuts at the base. have my fingers crossed.

JMLewis · Jan 3, 2017

I love that it's camouflage is patterned like the Zexias. Doesn't look like most of the bad type of crabs I've seen, but I'm no expert on that subject. It'd be awesome if they had some type of symbiotic relationship.

psidriven · Jan 3, 2017

its a pretty cool and unique crab. maybe ask if any local hobbyists with a bunch of xenia wants it. it could be a natural way to keep xenia from overtaking the tank.

Joshky · Jan 3, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
No. I have two living in my coral right now. Google symbiotic crab. also symbiotic shrimp. the shrimp are generally cuter. some are just cartoon characters. Im always on the hunt for those.
or are you saying it looks like Xenia

The latter.