Help w/ Crab ID

[HPiranha]

I was hoping someone might help with an ID...maybe a juvenile calico crab (Hepatus epheliticus)?

 

[HPiranha]

additional info.

additional info.

He is just over 1/2" wide and was found in a frag tank tucked into a rock crevice with some yellow polyps on it. The frag tank owner suggested he might be the reason his polyps had not been overly prolific...

 

[kmk2307]

Try looking up Calappa sp. Can you get a shot of the animal's back?

Kevin

 

[charlesr1958]

Its most likely a gaudy clown crab, usualy asscociated with acropora and is a xanthid species, not one I would consider reef safe at all. Which is a shame since they are very nice looking.

 

[LeslieH]

Platypodiella spectabilis from the Caribbean. The coloration is unmistakeable.

 

[jdsabin1]

Wow he is gorgeous!

 

[charlesr1958]

Well at least that is one less crab species I have to worry about...lol, but somehow feel that being in the pacific, the odds are still stacked against me compared to caribbean species.

Chuck

 

[HPiranha]

Leslie,

Just looked at some pictures online and I have to say it looks like you are dead on. Great eye and thank you everyone for your help.

 

[tinysuperbug]

That is an awsome looking crab. Too bad he's not reef safe. Or is he?

 

[HPiranha]

I couldn't find any ifo online and I am unwilling to unleash him onto my coral...for now, he is a refugium squatter.

 

[LeslieH]

Platypodiella spectabilis prefers to live on & eat Palythoa zoanthids. Apparently they're immune to the toxins produced by Palythoa & even incorporate it into their own bodies for protection. Your refugium is a good place for her - and it is a female. Fortunately she doesn't look like she's carrying eggs.

 

[ALTI]

i hope not, it was in my zoa frag system!!!! tell your girlfriend i owe her one. i never even noticed it before you guys pointed it out. beautiful crab, but good ridance.

 

[LeslieH]

You owe my girlfriend one? Jeez, my husband's going to be upset! And what exactly does that mean? Is it a guy thing?

 

[ALTI]

sorry Leslie,
i doubt your husband would be upset

 

[HPiranha]

My girlfriend spotted it in ALTI's zoo frag tank here in NJ. That is where I got her (the crab) from.