Crab found in live rock

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by Doratus, Jul 26, 2011.

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  1. Doratus

    Doratus Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    This crab was found living in my live rock. It's not in my display tank, nor has it ever been, so I'm not worried about it. Just kinda curious as to what it is and where it comes from.

    Thanks!

    [​IMG]
     

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    Doratus, Jul 26, 2011
    Doratus, Jul 26, 2011
    #1

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  2. Doratus

    Doratus Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    According to this page it seems like some kind of crab from the Xanthidae family. Might make a cool "sump monster".


    Definitely not "reef safe".
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2011
    Doratus, Jul 26, 2011
    Doratus, Jul 26, 2011
    #2
  3. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

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    It is a gorilla crab, I believe. They are definitely not friendly to corals
     
    dowtish, Jul 26, 2011
    dowtish, Jul 26, 2011
    #3
  4. SushiGirl

    SushiGirl Barracuda

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    Not hairy enough for a gorilla crab. I'd go with what Doratus said.
     
    SushiGirl, Jul 26, 2011
    SushiGirl, Jul 26, 2011
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  5. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Mr. Bill, Jul 26, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Jul 26, 2011
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  6. Doratus

    Doratus Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I found some interesting information about this guy, if it is actually Actaeodes tomentosus. Apparently, at least according to anecdotal evidence, they are primarily algae eaters and will only feed on coral when all over sources of food have been consumed. That being said, as long as we strive to eliminate algae species in our tanks we will never see these guys become "reef safe". Thanks for the replies.
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2011
    Doratus, Jul 26, 2011
    Doratus, Jul 26, 2011
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  7. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Exactly. Not that many decades ago, it was recommended that we spawn algae in our systems for nutrient export, and you bought a small pouch of algae spores from the LFS that you dumped into your tank during the cycle process. At the same time, only a small number of critters were recommended for algae control. Not so coincidentally, we rarely ever had a CuC member turn rogue as the omnivores found enough leftover meaty fish food clinging to the algae to satisfy their dietary needs.
     
    Mr. Bill, Jul 26, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Jul 26, 2011
    #7