Mystery crab

Discussion in 'ID This!' started by Andrewharrod, Sep 2, 2009.

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  1. Andrewharrod

    Andrewharrod Astrea Snail

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    I inherited this crab in a set-up I bought. I was told it was reef-safe but it seems quite predatory and now my Citrus Goby has gone AWOL. Does anyone have any ideas about its identity. And whether it is actually reef safe? It's not as big as it looks in the picture. The claws are probably two inches long when full extended.
     

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  3. divott

    divott Giant Squid

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    is it pointed pincers not reef safe? rounded ones okay? they look pointy
     
  4. Andrewharrod

    Andrewharrod Astrea Snail

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    They look pointed to me... Its mouth seems very small so I can't see how it could devour a fish. It's never appeared quick enough to catch anything else in the tank. But the Goby was quite a timid thing and I haven't seen him for three days. I've just had a look in the weir in case he'd done a jump but no sign - so I can only deduce it's the crab... In which case, he's sump-bound...
     
  5. the fisherman

    the fisherman Vlamingii Tang

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    Can use him for food too lol
     
  6. divott

    divott Giant Squid

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    it might be part of the anomuran family of crabs. while they say theyre reef safe, thats in regards to corals mostly. doesnt mean theyre safe for other inverts and fish.
     
  7. Andrewharrod

    Andrewharrod Astrea Snail

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    It hangs around with a cleaner shrimp and it's never troubled it...
     
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  9. divott

    divott Giant Squid

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    ive been trying to find a positive id, but no luck yet. sorry.
     
  10. Andrewharrod

    Andrewharrod Astrea Snail

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Barnsley, Yorkshire, England
    Ok, Divott. Thanks a lot. I'm loathe to get rid of it - but my LFS say they'll give it a home. It's just the Citrus Goby was my seven-year-old son 's favourite fish so I'm in a dilemma whether I should tell him the truth or just go out and buy a new one...