hitchhikers....

[ucfootball45]

I'm new to the hobby, 1st post. Going on month 4 and everything has been great. I do have coral and have been reading that crabs could be a pain...so I need your guys help with this one. I have seen 4 throughout my tank when lights go out they come out. Btw you guys provide a ton of useful info on here, your help has been vital in getting this going

 

[Spork3245]

Looks like a fish killer. Remove immediately. You could probably keep them in your sump.

 

[mr.feebles]

it has the same general shape/profile as a 'sally lightfoot' crab, might be in that family. most crabs are never 100% 'trustworthy' (well, there may be a few true herbivores).

when in doubt, remove.

 

[ucfootball45]

Currently all my fish are twice the size of all the crabs. Not sure if that matters? What would be the best way to catch them? They are small and are only seen when lights go out and are always in the live rock holes.

 

[mr.feebles]

best/easiest way ime to catch any crab is w/a jar and inverted funnel fastened to the mouth (the cone points into the jar). bait it, set it down on the sand, go to bed

some crabs will continue to hollow out the mini 'caves' they're in as they grow. i've seen some larger species ('shamefaced' group) break pieces of lr that way.

i don't think the crab in the pic will get more than double its present size (i assume it's not too old).

you won't lose anything if you remove it (aside from enjoying it, if you do).

you *might* lose something (i hate crabs in a tank w/ any coral frags-they're annoying mini bulldozers, ime).

peace of mind has its value, too

it's a judgement call-and can also be decided not right now, heh.

 

[dgbandog]

i have 2 small crabs that have hitchhike into my tank they are orange with black tips on their pinchers. I'm pretty sure their not good to have but can't get them out and don't know what i would do with them if i did get my hands on them