New Crab Meets Sump

[Reefing102]

Found a new crab (I’m assuming hitchhiker from my live rock). No clue on the ID but he’s been sumped just in case

 

[Reefing102]

He was found in the sand bed. I’m almost thinking not a bad guy as none of my corals or fish or other inverts have suffered but sumped none the less

 

[Anemone]

Search for "gorilla crab." Definitely a sump candidate, as they will go after fish as they get bigger.

Kevin

 

[Reefing102]

I was thinking gorilla but just not used to seeing the color and non black claws.

 

[Anemone]

Yeah, the term gorilla crab covers a bunch of different species of Xanthidae crabs. Most of the ones we see in our aquariums are mud brown, but some can be more brightly colored.

Kevin

 

[Reefing102]

Yea. He came in on some Florida rock and likely blended due to coloration

 

[Uncle99]

Hairy, bad sign.
Excellent choice on his home.

 

[Misled]

Kinda common with Florida rock.

 

[Reefing102]

That’s more what I was anticipating. So it’s likely just a different species

 

[footballdude2k3]

Sump for sure

 

[Timfish]

Look closely at the tips of the claws. Mithrax crabs, which include emrald crabs which have smooth carapace similar to yours, will have flat tips for scraping algae off rocks. Gorilla crabs claws are designed for holding onto live prey and protecting themselves from other gorilla crabs and will have pointed tips.

 

[liverock]

Kinda common with Florida rock.

lovely photo

 

[Misled]

Richard sent him to me. After catching him I set up a small tank for him. It was fun putting shrimp on a skewer and watching him pulling and yanking on it.