Hitchhiker Crab ID

[Bored Robot]

This crab has been living in my main tank for a couple years or so and I finally decided to capture him after his most recent molt (might start eating things I don't consider food).

From a general perspective, I know black tipped serrated chelae = bad neighbor, but I can't find this exact critter in my books anywhere. I'd like to know the species if possible. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackdiamond0/2987874289/" title="IMG_8274 by Black Diamond 0, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/2987874289_eac9878269.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8274" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackdiamond0/2988732470/" title="IMG_8279 by Black Diamond 0, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2988732470_209d067c96.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8279" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackdiamond0/2987874467/" title="IMG_8275 by Black Diamond 0, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2987874467_67e5f74c0c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8275" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackdiamond0/2988732332/" title="IMG_8278 by Black Diamond 0, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2988732332_a5169c8af4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_8278" /></a>

 

[GoBigOrGoHome]

Bottom line, like you said, its got black tips. No good. Can't help you on the species, but you're doing the right thing by removing him, I think.

 

[Bored Robot]

Yeah, I didn't want to take any more chances.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Leaky01ch]

throw him in your sump.

 

[mcdonous]

Cool looking crab, even if he could become a problem. I would plumb in a small tank for him so I could still keep him in an easily watchable area. I find sump banishment much less easy and enjoyable to watch. Sorry I can't ID him either.

 

[Althea2you]

kinda looks like a Platypodiella spectabilis or otherwise known as a Gaudy Clown crab.... but not exact.... the markings look very similar

 

[Bored Robot]

I put him in the refugium until I figure out what to do with him (it). There really isn't anything he can destroy down there at the moment and I like being able to view him. Maybe he'll get a species tank or something. I think he's really neat looking.

Thanks for the guess Althea2you. That 'gaudy clown crab' is a neat looking critter but you're right, not the same.

 

[exodus454]

Looks like it might be some sort of Xanthidae crab. I too have a unidentified crab living in my reef. Looks similar to what you have except it is white with maroon stripes and seems to have blunter non black claws.???

 

[LeslieH]

Having black tips doesn't mean much. It's a xanthid and that does --- an opportunistic feeder that's capable of eating pretty much anything depending on it's personal taste & hunger.