Please Identify this Crab
 

This guy was a hitch hiker from an order of live rock I recieved some time ago. I think it may be an Emerald Crab but he is black not green. What do you think?

Will

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hard to see could you post a larger pic.

Ditto on the larger pic suggestion. On immediate blurry inspection, it doesn't look like an Emerald Crab to ME.

Its back legs are hairy and its pinchers seem to have little cups at the ends and do not apprear sharp. However the inside of the pinchers seem to have gripping ridges.

Hope this new picture helps.

Will

Looks like a Xanthid Crab. Not reef safe.

Wow, I think you are correct. Any tips on how to catch him?

Will

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...ght=catch+crab

Part way down the page, I posted a picture of a method lots of people use to catch crabs and other unwanted hitchhikers. Good luck ;)

Does it look like this Will? I had one of these in my reef for a bit and didn't notice him snacking on things but Im sure it was just a matter of time.
I moved him to my sump where he lived for another couple years..

http://www.reefwerkz.ca/ryan/xanthid.jpg

That is what he looks like. To date I have found two. One is about 3 inches across and the other is about 1 1/2 inches. I tried catching them in the night with my red light and long tweezers. But they are to darn quick. I used Chefs idea about a month ago and only caught little crabs. I may try the shrimp in the panty hose trick to get him away from the rocks.

Wish me luck!!!

Will

I have one of those in my tank as well. He has molted a couple times and is getting larger. He hasn't shown any aggression at all though and I kinda like him! :p I probably should take him out, but for now, I guess i'll take the gamble. Anyone else have any experiences with this type of crab?

We have or maybe had (haven't seen him in a few months) one in our tank. He never hurt or went after anyone or any corals. All we saw him do was eat algae and detritus off the LR at night. Our sexy shrimp would hang out with him at night and they got along just fine. He was about 1"-1 1/2" last I saw.

If I ever see a crab in my tank, it's 455-whoopin' time.

I actually saw a hairy crab attack and kill one of my cleaner shrimps ninja-style. Shrimp was mellowing under an overhang when the crab came down and snagged it.

I swear to god you cannot make this stuff up. I was livid.