Is this crab reef safe?

[Kawaii]

I have noticed a few hitchiker crabs in my tank since I've had it for a year now and they haven't seemed to cause any problems that I know of. We recently purchased a small piece of xenia coral for $19 and a few days later, the rock that the coral came on is completely bare and there is a crab sitting in a crevice right behind it. Here is a picture of the crab:

Does anyone know what type of crab it is and if it is reef safe? I have a strong feeling he is the culprit.

 

[TippyToeX]

I don't believe there is such a thing as a reef safe crab. They are opportunistic omnivores. If they want a live meaty meal they will do it. Some can be well behaved and graze off algae or left over food and waste, but it is not a risk I'd ever recommend taking.

If that were in my tank I'd get it the heck out. Ban it to the sump or give it to a LFS.

 

[Kawaii]

Oh that stinks.
Anyone have some tips on how to catch them?

 

[TippyToeX]

If you can get a glass jar or bottle to place in the tank, and put it so it leans against the rock work. Have it at an angle that the crab and go down in, but will not be able to crawl out. Then place some bait (some meaty foods) at the bottom of the jar to tempt him in.

It works pretty well.

 

[Kawaii]

Hey everyone!

My boyfriend moved the small rock that the coral was on to the top of the tank and when I woke up this morning all of the coral was still on it! It looked like it was all completely gone yesterday, but it was just hiding from the crab. Coral is so smart, lol.

 

[thehedge]

Congrats!!!

But I would still take out that crab as a preventative measure.

 

[Entropy]

My rule of thumb is shoot first and ask questions later when it comes to crabs. If you look at the claws and the are sharp and pointy that is bad IMO. If the claws end in little cups instead of points (like the emerald crab) it is ok, but better to err on the side of caution since you can get other critters that will perform the same function safely.