Extra Large Emerald Crab

[bstoner]

I have had this guy for over 2 years and he was quite big when I got him but has grown larger then any other emerald crab I have seen.

The pictures really dont do him justice but he has every bit of 2.5" of claw span and 1.5' of body on him.

The tang in the picture is about 4" long to give a little reference.

Anybody else seen these guys get this big?

 

[saltycreefer]

I just pulled one out of my nano. It went from 1.5'' to almost 3'' in one molt! The thing wouldn't stop knocking everything over. I think it was having a tantrum!

 

[greenbean36191]

I've been attacked by different members of the same genus in the wild that were about 4'' across the carapace.

 

[SgJsg35]

Ive seen them almost that big.I cant seem to keep them alive for more than 6 or 8 months. That one is pretty impressive.

 

[parothead22]

I have two of them that size. I have had them for about 6 months now. They don't seem to be bothering anything in my tank(knock on wood). They just forage around for algae. I think they are awesome to have in a reef tank especially!
Just keep an eye on him as their are exceptions to the rules. With claws that big, you never know...

 

[yiliyang]

They eat snails. I lost many stomatilla to the emerald and ruby crabs. I have one of each. periodically I would see one of them hold the remains of a stomatila like a dinner plate.

 

[mcsaltydog]

I've got one 2.5 - 3" body and have a bunch of empty snail shells near where he hangs out.

 

[water hazzard]

Those guys love to eat my snails also. Took a long time to figure where they were getting to.

 

[Philwd]

When mine got almost that big it started attacking my labouti at night. The fish had wounds in it's side and a torn pec fin. When the lights went out the fish would hide up in the corner by the overflow. Took us several days to catch the crab after we noticed the first attacks.

 

[bstoner]

My Bi Color seems to been having something picking at it but they have both been in the tank for a long time with no problems.

I will try to keep an eye on him.