Tank pest or beneficial helper?

[bennyb]

Hey all, I just bought a few pieces of mature coral, and noticed this little guy a few days later. Definitely a stowaway from one of those pieces. I’ve been monitoring him, and does not seem like he is harming anything, but want to make sure! I am new to this, and would gladly take any identification help. Thanks!

 

[Pickle_soup]

With hitchhikers look at the pinchers. Those are for tearing tissue. This is definitely a resident of the sump.

 

[shwareefer]

Probably a squat lobster. Reef safe if so.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Any chance of a clear, top-down shot of the full critter under white lighting?

As is, I would guess a squat lobster of some variety as well - I haven't looked into them too much yet, but the ones I have looked at seem to be relatively small omnivores that seem to scavenge rather than hunt.

 

[bushdoc]

Judging from response here and my lifetime experience, I would say:
"One man pest is another man beneficial helper"
The question is: Which man are you?

 

[Pickle_soup]

Judging from response here and my lifetime experience, I would say:
"One man pest is another man beneficial helper"
The question is: Which man are you?

Definitely a pest man.

 

[bennyb]

Judging from response here and my lifetime experience, I would say:
"One man pest is another man beneficial helper"
The question is: Which man are you?

Overall, I just want to make sure it’s not going to outright attack all the inverts or fish or corals.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

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