Neat Crab ID (and worm ID)

[MusicTeach]

Just a couple of crab and worm IDs, nothing too spectacular

The last worm picture is actually a red color, and it looks like it's eating the sand.... I guess that's a good filter, right?

Both of the worms pictured respond to light by hiding.

Let me know what your thoughts are, especially on the crabs! They (and a collection of snails that I thought were nassarius.... but now I think they're whelks, and some keyhole limpets) are in my critter bucket, waiting for me to determine if they can go into the aquarium or not.

They are patient

 

[Fiver]

The first crab with the striped legs is a porcelain crab that's reef safe. They spend time fanning the water for food, although you can also target feed them. I love mine. http://m.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1963

Second crab might fall in the "gorilla" crab group. Not safe. Mine cut coral polyps, pinched anemone arms and killed serpent stars.

Sorry; I'm no help with the worms.

Are these hitchhikers on live rock?

 

[MusicTeach]

Yep! Sure are! Thanks for the IDs!

 

[kevin21]

First crab is good, porcelain. 2nd grab I would not trust, due to black claws. Pretty simple rule of thumb when it comes to crabs. The worms are fine. Leave em in the sand.

 

[MusicTeach]

Good to know - Black Claws are gorilla crabs. I've got some rather 'hairy' little baby crabs crawling around in the aquarium as well... probably 3 or 4. Is there a way to catch them?

 

[monkeysee1]

Yep. Those little black pinchers are BAD news.
Get the second crab out of your tank and put him in your sump until you can find another home to pawn him off on.
Those worms look like bristle worms. Harmless, and in a way, beneficial.

 

[Fiver]

Shrimp in the bottom of a glass tipped against a rock so they can walk in but not out. You might catch other critters, too. Good luck. Get them out now because they will cause harm.