Finally started - 2 hitch-hikers!

[Rijinals]

Hi guys,

My tank is finally started. Got my substrate in, got my base rock set up, got the live rock on top, saltwater in and all heated and cycling! Its all going gravy!

Anyway, I was sitting next to it smiling (as you do), then all of a sudden I saw movement. It was a jet black crab, standard shape but only about an inch across. THEN from the other end I saw a really tiny crab, about 1cm across, definately a crab but all brown and fury??

Anyway, they have both now disappeared but what I am hoping for are possible i.d's. Are these crabs good, bad or ok news for my early tank stages?

Cheers squires!

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

There are literally hundreds of different crabs that it could be. Without pictures, it's nigh impossible to determine. Even with pictures it's difficult to get a Family name and even more difficult to get a Genus name.

Luckily, all crabs are opportunistic feeders. When potential food goes in front of them, they'll eat it. That means fish, shrimp, snails, corals, anemones, etc. Sure, many of these are unlikely potential prey, but it's something that you can't take lightly. I would attempt to remove them and place them in a seperate container/area until you can get a proper identification.

 

[dcombs44]

not sure on the black one, but brown and furry makes me think gorilla. I would for sure try to get that one out, as it will eat basically anything.

 

[Rijinals]

bummer, cheers dudes!

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Unfortunately, just because it is brown and hairy doesn't mean that it is a Gorilla Crab. In fact, most crabs are moderately hairy, and many of those are brown. A really furry and brown crab that isn't a Gorilla Crab is a Teddy Bear Crab.

 

[Rijinals]

So squires, if I can track these crabs down, shall I fish them out?

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

I'm a squire? Who's my knight?

I would definitely find them a new home until you can get a good ID. Another small aquarium, the sump, the refugium, in a plastic container with holes punched in the top sunken in the bottom of the tank, etc.

 

[Rijinals]

Sorry Travis, its a bad habbit. I call everyone squire! Sorry!

Thanks for the tip though!