crab id

[xxseawolf]

i recently upgraded to a 180. in the process of the changeover i found this crab. he must of hitchhiked when i initially started the tank. is it a porcelain or a emerald crab?

thanks.

todd

 

[GrouperGenius]

Looks like a bad crab. Definitely not Emerald or Porcelain.

 

[david8956]

Florida rock? My first thought was that looks like a small Stone Crab.

 

[xxseawolf]

not fla rock and i dont think it is a stone crab.

todd

 

[chimmike]

whatever it is, he's bad enough to not be shy of you! lol.

 

[RudyinFL]

Can you get a shot from the top? Where is your rock from?

 

[GrouperGenius]

I agree not stone crab. The carapace is too lumpy and the eye color is off. He does exhibit SC like arms however. The actual claw structure resembles Emeralds grab and rip style flat, algae eater.

Just my opinion, and it's totally up to you. When in doubt, take it out. Nothing says it wouldn't be a beneficial critter in a refuge if you have one. If nothing more than observation.

 

[xxseawolf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14474635#post14474635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RudyinFL
Can you get a shot from the top? Where is your rock from?

would love to but have no idea where he is. that shot was takin right after the rocks were added to the new tank(hence the cloudy pic). i will say the back of the crab resembled an alligator hide(kind of ridgy). my rock is figi and tonga(mostly figi). i could have caught him but his claw structure led me to believe he was ok. i have seen and caught stone crabs and i wouldnt put my hand anywhere near their claws. this crab is shy and when you put your hand near it, it tucks in a ball kind of like a emerald or porcelain crab, but he did pose for the camera .

todd

 

[schudini]

If you don't want it and catch it sometime around March 14th (the next meeting) I'll take it for mantis food.