Mystery crab?

[Catfaceskates]

Iv had this crab in my tank for about 2 months (hitchhiker)and never really thought much of him. But it's about tripled in size and was wondering if it is good or not.

 

[54seaweed]

not a very clear pict but my guess would be a mithrax crab

 

[Catfaceskates]

not a very clear pict but my guess would be a mithrax crab

Yes sorry about the pictures it's on my iPod so the quality isn't do great but it's pinkish brown with hair like things on its legs

 

[Crystal A]

Looks like an emerald crab.

 

[Catfaceskates]

Looks like an emerald crab.

My LFS said it could be a strawberry emerald crab so I think you may be right I'll look it up on google

 

[Sniperhank]

No way. The claws are all wrong. Get that thing out of your tank and into a sump or the toilet. Hairy legs and claws like that, predatory.

 

[Catfaceskates]

Ok well I did some research and I'm pretty sure is a strawberry crab.

 

[Catfaceskates]

How would you recommend getting it out? Iv tried before but it's fast...to fast for me

 

[Sniperhank]

Tall glass, propped on its side with food inside. He'll come to you.

 

[Catfaceskates]

Tall glass, propped on its side with food inside. He'll come to you.

I know just what food to use.. It loves these sinking algae wafers I put in the tank it runs out from the rock and steals it. Greedy little thing... I'll try that out tomorrow and let you know how it goes. Thank you for the reply.

 

[czwicky]

+1 definetly not an emerald crab. Flush it or sump it

 

[User Name]

Had to chime in on this one. You have a emrald crab (Mithraculus forceps). This is not a strawberry crab (Neoliomera pubescens). Google Image both names. They are very different crabs.

 

[54seaweed]

this is what you have

Algae Eating Ruby Red Crab for Sale

 

[Sniperhank]

Agreed now. Found the one in my tank this morning. It's a match.

 

[Catfaceskates]

Looks like he gets to stay then!

 

[mr_X]

All crabs are predatory. I would watch it, and not kill it. It looks like a mithrax crab to me as well, a very close cousin to the emerald crab people buy and put in their tanks.

 

[Catfaceskates]

So what should I be watching for?

 

[mr_X]

You should be watching it's behavior. Seeing if it's eating coral.

 

[Catfaceskates]

Ok thank you I will keep a close eye on it

 

[Crystal A]

Mr x is right I banished mine it started eating coral. Was to bad I liked the little buggar.