Resolved Can you ID this crab?

Discussion in 'ID This!' started by OnlyTono, Sep 23, 2014.

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  1. OnlyTono

    OnlyTono Spaghetti Worm

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    Looking for an ID. I have a mystery crab in my tank and have had him for quite some time. I believe he hitchhiked in on some live rock, which means I've likely had him for over a year. Last molt I found was too small to grab or photograph, but this time, his molt is almost a half in across.

    I've only caught glimpses of him, and I have not noticed or observed any damage as a result of this crab, but I'm still curious as to what I'm dealing with here because they only get bigger.
    WP_20140923_003.jpg

    WP_20140923_004.jpg

    Any thoughts on what this particular crab is?
     
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  3. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

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    Gorilla crab? Those black tipped claws don't look inviting at all.
     
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  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    +1 to ^^^

    IMOPE, as opportunistic omnivores, no crab is 100% reef safe. While juveniles may be content with algae and leftover fish food, they tend to want- and need- more, meatier fares as they mature, even if it means killing tankmates.
     
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  5. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

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    Crabs are bad, mmmkay.
     
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  6. OnlyTono

    OnlyTono Spaghetti Worm

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    I did a quick image search with "GOrilla Crab" and it does appear that's' what it most likely is.

    I agree - I'll likely have to devise a plan to get him out. During my image search I came across a few easy to make crab traps.

    Does anyone have an opinion as to what kind of time I have before he will most likely start being destructive - weeks, months, years, any day now or maybe never?
    I'd hate yank him out just because, but then I'd also hate to leave him in and have him destroy something that can't be easily replaced.

    I'm kind of on the fence...
     
  7. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    I feel you Tono.Get it out of there.:(
     
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  9. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

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    Throw it in your sump if you have one.
     
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  10. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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  11. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    Sell it to your LFS!
     
  12. OnlyTono

    OnlyTono Spaghetti Worm

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    I have two sumps - a smaller one with Cheto and a larger one with sand, rock and Caulerpa. Would he eat the Caulerpa? If so, then that might be a win-win for both my and the crab :)

    I wonder if they would take him? Maybe as food for a mantis? Is there any other type of tank setup where you would actually want a crab like this?