gorilla crab size?

[tuc2]

I was checking the tank a bit ago and saw what appears to be a hugh gorilla crab(at least compared to the 2-3 other that I have found in the tank, so far...) this guy has to be a good 1 1/2 inch across. so the question is has he just been hidding out all this time (about 3 weeks since part 2 arrived) or is it one of the smaller ones that has exploded in size? How long/old before they get to this size? I tried to get a picture but when I got back to the tank with my camera he was gone.

Thanks

Andy

 

[divemonster]

Hi Andy,
Crabs are crafty critters. It is highly likely that it has been hiding out this entire time. It probably has grown, too. Try to get it out as soon as you can. Just reach in a grab it with your hands next time you see it, it won't bite or pinch.

 

[tuc2]

I saw him out in the open today and I think I found his hidding spot. He is even bigger than I thought. Doing a water change on friday, so thinking I will pick up a small 10 gal tank to put him and his reletives in along with the mantis/pistol shrimp that has been keeping me up at nights if I can find them all. What would you suggest for feeding these guys?

Thanks

Andy

 

[divemonster]

Garbage disposals

Garbage disposals

Gorilla crabs will eat almost anything but seem to prefer meat based stuff like any type of raw seafood (as opposed to vegetable based). Pistol shrimps eat small copepods (I believe) and mantis will eat small bits of raw seafood

 

[noahm]

I have gorillas that have been with me for over a year and are still very tiny, like a dime. I have big ones too, but I think they grow pretty slow. I try and put them in the sump when the opportunity arises. Generally only one or two will tolerate each other in close quarters.

 

[rumble]

If you have a mantis it will likely eat the crabs.

 

[lionbacker54]

If you have a mantis it will likely eat the crabs.

you would think so, but i have several mantis shrimp and they all leave the gorillas alone. go figure.