Crab on my Acropora?

Funny looking little guy.

I am of the belief that until you see damage than proceed with caution. He could be a very nice acropora crab and a interesting addition.

 

Common rule is if it's hairy, remove it. Those can be a pain to get rid of once they grow up and out of the acro. Once grown, they love to to prey on sleeping fish, especially wrasses that hide in the rocks.

The smooth shelled ones are the ones you want to keep.

 

I'm with Greg, looks like a Cymo andreossyi which are borderline crabs. I had one in a mili and it ate the crud out of it after living in it for a few months. get some stainless steel forecpts and grab it.

PS I had to frag the milli to get him off the branch. They are small but wicked strong.

 

+1 just get rid of it. two different maricultured colonies came with them, both had crabs that ate tissue faster than it could keep up with. You won't believe how strong they are until you actually try to get them off.

 

Bam! Thanks Guys! He wasn't too difficult to get, thank God!

 

Still a cute one.

 

Satan does come in all shapes and sizes...

 

Preemptive strike! made quick work of that little guy!!!

 

most likely its just an acro crab which is good for the coral. They are constantly cleaning excess detritus that might build up