Pumilus Crab: is it dangerous?

[kactusficus]

Hello everyone!

I think I have a Pumilus crab in my tank for over 6 monthes.
It's color is light tan/white, with brownish/red spots, tan hairs, neon green eyes and brown tipped pointed claws.

I wonder if it is dansgerous for my fishes? For the moment, for the past 6 monthes, it has been very shy, I never caught him out of it's cave, during day or night time. He seems to feed over food passing by the entrance of its cave, when I feed everyone. He runs into its cave when a fish come by. But maybe when he'll be larger, he could be a predator?

I know I shouldn't keep a crab arrived with the stones, but I can't take the decision to kill an animal just because it may attack one of my fish one day... I must know first if it's really a danger for my tank. If it is, I'll kill it.

I can't find no infos upon this animal on the web... i'd like to know about it's adult size (must be one inch -just the back, not with the legs- for the moment), and what's his regular diet.

I hope someone from the forum will know more about this crab and help me.

I add some pics, but not a really good one, it's impossible to catch more than half of it, he's never totally out of its cave, and much quicker than my reflexes!

thank you for your help!

 

[kactusficus]

any idea about this?

thanks!

 

[D659600]

I cant help with the crab but I can direct you in a good direction. The Invert and Plant Forum section is invertebrates post your pictures there and you should get plenty of help in the id and habits of your little friend. Or a MOD may move you. Good luck -D-

 

[lhoy]

I have had a so-called Gorilla Crab in a tank for months with Scorpionfish and a Tuberculated Frogfish which is very small. He has never bothered the fish, the sea hare, the Japanese decorator crab, or the Boxing Shrimp. I love him and only see him now and then. If you visit with some crab experts (I know one on another forum but don't feel comfortable posting the name of the other forum), they will tell you we often do know which species it is and whether or not they are really "reef safe."

I think it looks awesome and would keep it, but then again I like funky stuff.

Lee

 

[kactusficus]

thnaks for your advice, both of you! I will post to the invert part of the forum... And if I don't getr answer, maybe I could ask you Lhoy by Personal message what's the name of this forum with crab experts!

I do love this little guy, he has the cuttest neon eyes I know, and he's very funny to observe... But I'm also frightened by him getting 3 inches tall and eating my fishes while they're asleep!