Ordered an Emerald but fear it's a stone crab...

[Jamifen]

I received an order from saltwaterfish.com that had several serious issues. I haven't addressed this one yet because I'm not even sure what species it is being fairly new to the hobby. I ordered an emerald crab, but received this gray one from them instead. I've been looking around on the Internet and think it may be a stone crab, which would not be good. He has been moving rocks and such, which does fit with that description. I attached a photo, and am hoping someone can identify him for me. He's grayish white with black tipped claws and very strong. I've seen him pick and move rocks twice his size.

 

[mcgyvr]

I'd say its a stone crab too..

 

[GimpyFin]

Looks like it could be a stone crab. Definitely isn't an emerald crab, especially with black claws and light coloration. I've seen the same thing with fish stores around me get shipments of crabs and label some as emerald that are definitely not.

 

[Sk8r]

Great in your sump, not so much in your tank.

 

[Bent]

I don't think it's a Stoney.

It's most def NOT a emerald though. You should name him devastator and put him in your sump.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Looks like a stone crab to me. Very destructive in a reef tank. If you have a sump toss it in there and feed it some fresh meaty seafood.

 

[Bent]

My stone crab is thriving in my sump.

 

[SeaCucumberFan]

I think it's a stone crab, here's what I would do:
1. Put it in your sump
2. Wait until it gets big
3. Take it out
4. Cook it
5. Bon appetit

 

[Timfish]

Looks more like a stone crab than an emerald (Mithrax spp.) to me but the telling id for Mithrax spp. crabs are the little spoons instead of points they have at the ends of their claws for scrapping algae.

 

[Mike Ordner]

Definitely a stone (xanthid) crab of some sorts. Those claws are made to crush things. Some species stay quite small but all can be destructive in a reef tang. I would take it out or put in sump as part of your clean up crew.