Unknown crab species, need ID

[Jarret]

Somebody brought this into the store today and they weren't sure exactly what it was. Said they got it from reefcleaners but when I looked on there I didn't see anything.

Just looking for a name and whether or not it is reef safe.

 

[[G]h0S'][']

Looks to be an emerald crab.

 

[Jarret]

Is it? From what I've read online they are usually green hence the name. Didn't know they came in different colors.

EDIT: Hmm, yes after a quick search it does appear to be an emerald just not green. Anybody know why this is? Lack of algae in the diet?

 

[thefurrywarrior]

Yeah its an emerald I do believe. They can color up a bit differently from what I understand. And I had one that was about that exact color if I remember correctly. I have seen them almost a reddish color before.

 

[SushiGirl]

Mithrax ruber. Basically a red "emerald" crab. Note the red in the "elbow" joints, which is a good tell for Mithrax species.

Colors are just like hair color, nothing to do with diet. Mithrax come in green, red, brown, black. Emeralds are Mithrax sculptus.

 

[GerritM]

Yes, it is a Mithrax!
But Mithrax is now Mithraculus

 

[Jarret]

Awesome, thanks for the info all