Unusual Hitchhiker

[29bonsaireef]

Don't find these too often. Although the color is very unique and eye catching. These guys will tear through some Zoanthids. Little dude having a zoa feast before heading back to the reef.

 

[mtfish]

That looks like a shamefaced crab, and a pretty one at that. I bet it could be very destructive.

 

[sfin52]

Don't find these too often. Although the color is very unique and eye catching. These guys will tear through some Zoanthids. Little dude having a zoa feast before heading back to the reef.

Thats a gorgeous crab. To bad its so destructive. Can it be a sump lord or is it just eat ZOA

 

[29bonsaireef]

Thats a gorgeous crab. To bad its so destructive. Can it be a sump lord or is it just eat ZOA

Hard to answer your question because there's not much available info on them. I know for fact they LOVE zoas, but do not know if they have a strict Zoanthid diet or not? Have only ever found them in Zoanthids so I'm guessing it's got to be one of their preferred foods.

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

It's a Platypodiella spectabilis (Gaudy clown crab). Their diet consists of zoas and some other soft coral. Very pretty. Picture below for reference.

 

[garbled]

That is an absolutely beautiful crab. Wow.

 

[reef lover]

Wish i had one when i had all those palys to get rid of!!

 

[mtfish]

So, like a monarch butterfly, this dude says, "come on, take a chunk out of me and see what you get!". Anyone that stores palytoxins during supper is one not to mess with.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Wish i had one when i had all those palys to get rid of!!

Great minds think alike......my thoughts exactly.

 

[DSC reef]

It's a Platypodiella spectabilis (Gaudy clown crab). Their diet consists of zoas and some other soft coral. Very pretty. Picture below for reference.

Nice ID. What a beautiful crab