Hitchhiker Crab - ID?

[jjencek]

Just found this one on an Acro frag before putting it into my tank. I don't trust hitchhikers and so I tossed it, but wondering what it was. It was about 8 mm.

 

[eastlake]

It looks like a guard crab, a species of crab that lives on and around the coral to defend it from predators in return for a home and food. Some people even think that their movement around the coral increases water circulation to the deeper reaches of the colony ultimately making it a healthier colony. Its a shame you threw it out, next time if you're unsure about a hitch hiker put it in the sump, ask around, and then if it turns out to be a baddie leave it in the sump or find a new home for it, I think a lot of folks here do the same. There's even a few threads on here where people have named and bonded with their "monster" in the sump lol

 

[jjencek]

Thanks for the note. I used to think that hitchikers were cool and kept them all, but then I read a few threads and got worried. I don't have a sump and had no place to put it. Now I wish I kept it.

 

[Daddi0]

:facepalm: It's Dead?:facepalm:

 

[Uncle99]

No worries....I have done the same....in my 25 years in this hobby....crabs have always been a problem in some way or form.