CRABS?

[cinnamon_lover]

Can someone identify these hitchhikers? I got them from the live rock I purchased. Are these good or bad?

 

[SchrutesReefs]

Look like emerald crabs to me. Depending in tank size, I was always told to keep 1-2 per tank.

 

[Chrisv.]

Top one is a emerald/green mithrax, bottom one looks like a gorilla crab to me. Can you get a closer/clearer pic of #2?

 

[cinnamon_lover]

Top one is a emerald/green mithrax, bottom one looks like a gorilla crab to me. Can you get a closer/clearer pic of #2?

Here are some more pics... I tried to enhance them since the colour was not rendering well on my camera. Appears to be deeper maroon in person

 

[cinnamon_lover]

Look like emerald crabs to me. Depending in tank size, I was always told to keep 1-2 per tank.

First one might be. But the second one doesn't look like emerald at all. It has a deep maroon colour.

 

[Chrisv.]

Maybe a red mithrax. Looks like it isn't hairy, so probably not gorilla.

 

[Bucs20fan]

The proof will be in the pudding, erm i mean claws. Can you send a picture of the little ones claws. The first crab is 100% emerald crab.

 

[cinnamon_lover]

The proof will be in the pudding, erm i mean claws. Can you send a picture of the little ones claws. The first crab is 100% emerald crab.

Closest and clearest one I can shoot

 

[Bucs20fan]

That is for sure not a red mithrax. A red mithrax might as well just be a red emerald crab so to speak. That one has claws that are too small. I cannot say for certain what type of crab it is, but judging by the shape of the claws it does not appear to be reef safe.

 

[cinnamon_lover]

That is for sure not a red mithrax. A red mithrax might as well just be a red emerald crab so to speak. That one has claws that are too small. I cannot say for certain what type of crab it is, but judging by the shape of the claws it does not appear to be reef safe.

I see. Now I have to think of a way to get rid of them. There are still 2 more in the tank.

Thank you so much

 

[Bucs20fan]

I wouldnt consider it a huge rush to get rid of them. They are small and if you dont see them actively picking at your corals or see damage to your corals, you certainly have time. Just get the little buggers when you can.

 

[cinnamon_lover]

I wouldnt consider it a huge rush to get rid of them. They are small and if you dont see them actively picking at your corals or see damage to your corals, you certainly have time. Just get the little buggers when you can.

More pictures of the little ones.

 

[Bucs20fan]

Oh yes, they gotta go. Either sump em or dump em.

 

[bert236]

Surprised no one has mentioned the black tipped pointy claws. That’s generally the only clue you need for if the crab is gonna be an issue. Pointy means they are gonna go after stuff you don’t want them to. Flat claws generally are associated with algae eaters like the emerald crab. Emeralds also don’t have black tipped claws. Looks like you do have an emerald but the other ones personally I wouldn’t risk based on what I said above.