Hitchhiker - Tampa Bay hitch hiker

[SaltwaterandLime]

This guy came in with some live rock from Tampa Bay (gulf of Mexico). Anyone got an ID? Pretty certain he's a carnivore and not staying in my tank.... but I'd still like to know what he is. Thanks!

 

[Jared Bryant]

Black claws and hairy looking is usually a gorilla crab. Sump or flush.

 

[Sean Clark]

Looks extra crabby and ready to fight.

 

[Kasrift]

Black claws and hairy looking is usually a gorilla crab. Sump or flush.

Agreed, black claws is an indication, but the shape is more important. Pointed claws means it will be something that eats anything (they are opportunistic). Flat claws like spoons on emerald crabs mean they eat algae.

 

[vetteguy53081]

This is an eviction type crab- Big no-no

 

[JoJosReef]

Sump or mince and feed tank. Can also ask around on local forum if anyone wants it--you'd be surprised how many people will show up to pick up a gorilla crab!!

 

[areefer01]

Sump or mince and feed tank. Can also ask around on local forum if anyone wants it--you'd be surprised how many people will show up to pick up a gorilla crab!!

I have a breeding pair in my overflow box. Free food Stow aways on my KP rock.

 

[JoJosReef]

I have a breeding pair in my overflow box. Free food Stow aways on my KP rock.

I had one living in the return pump chamber of my IM Nuvo 10g for almost 9 months. That chamber has a strange dead space that runs below the other two chambers, was like a mini cave for the gorilla crab and foiled all attempts to catch him (my hand doesn't fit in the return pump chamber so was basically crabbing with tongs). In any case, alive and well for so many months, probably eating the crud that built up and all the pineapple sponges--could practically call it a member of my CUC! Finally caught it, posted pics, and someone's daughter fell in love with it and the dad came by to pick it up!

 

[ptrahan]

If banished to sump be careful if they get large. They can tear up soft things like hoses, foam, etc. Gorillas gotta go. Every time. Black claws of death.

 

[CoralB]

I wouldn’t flush it , I would always wonder if it adapt to live in freshwater and grow . Yikes !!! . Kidding !!

 

[Fish Styx]

It's a Gorilla crab. Bad guy.

 

[Ram Man]

Sump or mince and feed tank. Can also ask around on local forum if anyone wants it--you'd be surprised how many people will show up to pick up a gorilla crab!!

Use to love feeding them to a gonodactylus smithii (mantis) i had for a few years.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Idk but he's pretty!

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

I'd guess a Pilumnus sp., but I don't know for sure. It has a nice pattern on the shell though.