What is this crab?

[acro-ed]

Hi,
I was just shooting some pics and noticed this crab Ive never seen before. I have no idea how he got in my tank. I have added nothing to the tank in about 2 years, no new coral,sand,rock. I have put in a few fresh cut frags from my other tanks, and about 1 lb of rubble rock in the sump about 9 months ago.

What the heck is it??

I guess "Calico crab"....??

Is he bad news?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[dragonette]

dunno, but he sure is cute

 

[chrisstie]

Haha cool crab! I've seen one before and I'm trying to remember if they are good or bad. Looks like you've had a stealthy bugger on your hands! I have a hairy one that hides in the most grown out part of my tank so when I reach for him I can't get past the sps!

I am on my way out right now but I would say post that (and any other showing claws, eyes) over in the Invert forum and see if LeslieH can identify it for you she's really, really good at it. My best guess right now would be a type of Xanthid but beyond that ya got me until I can do more looking around!

 

[orlandobrian]

Looks a lot like a Clown Crab which would be realtively harmless because they stay under 1", but the claws (from what I can see in the photo) looks like some sort of Stone Crab to me - which would be bad news! How big is it?

 

[acro-ed]

Thanks for the replies guys. He is about 3/4" wide. I dont think he is a stone crab, as Ive seen those before.....but I really dont know.

-Ed

 

[chrisstie]

Ah Gaudy Clown Crab Platypodiella spectabilis

Brian was right on! Unfortunately a coral eating Xanthid. Perhaps better off in a fuge and if you dont feel its safe in yours its welcome in mine, too cool looking! ;p

 

[acro-ed]

Why does it have to eat coral!

Fortunately I havent noticed any damage to any coral in there, though I did lose a fairly large snail that has been healthy for 3 years. (maybe it died of old age....how long do snails live?)

Anyway, I guess I have to catch it. He can live in my sump I suppose. If you want it Christie, you can have it, otherwise Ill just throw him in the sump.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Swirlygig]

If nothing ain't hurt don't bother, just keep an eye on him closely...he is cool and probably been in there a while no doubt...If so you sould feel confident he has been a good citizen...

 

[Pacific Reefs]

Very cool find. If you catch it can you take more pics. Have you heard any clicking sounds at night?

 

[acro-ed]

Well, zoas have never done well in that tank. I pretty much attributed that to too much flow and light. He could be the culprit for that. I will try to catch him, but it wont be until next week. I will try and get a nice pic of him in a white bucket to show off his colors. He is a pretty little crab, but he probably shouldnt stay in the main display based on the things Ive been reading.

Oh, and no clicking sounds at night. But Im never up past 12 anymore, so who knows.

Thanks again for the help everyone.

-Ed