ID this amazing CRAB!!

[endlessblue]

I know its not a "reef fish" but I couldn't a "crab" section.
Anyway I've never seen this b4 and its availble at my LFS I would like to get some info on it b4 I buy all of them!! thanks

 

[NCSUsalt]

i id'd it for you in your other thread

 

[endlessblue]

any idea of behaviour

 

[Guy(ReefSmart)]

Does not look reef safe to me pointed serrated claws are usually predator crab Traits. Even though small those claws could really do damage to corals if its inclined to eat them. I had a tiny green one in my tank once figured it was to small to eat my fish so left it. 2 Hawaiian feather dusters and several heads of torch later I caught him.

 

[RyanSweatt2004]

that is a squat lobster, look it up, divers den on live aquaria has them every so often.

 

[michael_cb_125]

Looks like a Crinoid squat lobster to me as well.

~Michael

 

[JamesJR]

that is a crinoid lobster for sure. Really cool and unusual.

 

[The Reef Expert]

Yes, That is definitely a crinoid squat lobster. Allogalathea elegans. Despite its fearsome appearance it is actually reef safe. KEEP IT! you'll regret it if you don't they are pretty hard to come by these days. Here is Live Aquaria's article on them. Crinoid Squat Lobster - Live Aquaria

 

[LeslieH]

The Live Aquaria photo actually has 2 species of galatheids, not 1. The dark brown ones on top are Galathea inflata

 

[Moort82]

Go on, you know you want to:inlove: such a cool little critter/