Hitch hiker crab?

[JAYJT29]

Just seen this hitch hiker crab! Thoughtid seen a few 'claw' sightings in the past but its not my ruby mithrax as it has black claws and is smaller at about 10mm shell size.
I know crabs are hard to ID but has anyone got any clue? It seems to eat the LR and every minute or so spit the LR dust out if that makes sence!

Pic:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF1086.JPG

Thanks
Jayhttp://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/images/smilies/grin.gif

[grumpy_banghai]

I have a few of these & they're shy, come out @ night though. They always eat the crud off LR. I don't think they would attack a sleeping fish, they have spoon shaped endings on their claws which suggest they scavenge & eat algae etc. Hopefully somebody can back this up! :confused:

[JAYJT29]

Agrred,due to the claw shape i think its safe just wondered if anyone knew a name.
Thanks
Jay:)

[Macca]

xanthid crab - Bad guy! Sump sump sump

http://www.tbsaltwater.com/thepackage/images/gorillacrab.jpg

James

[JAYJT29]

xanthid crab - Bad guy! Sump sump sump

http://www.tbsaltwater.com/thepackage/images/gorillacrab.jpg

James
If i can catch the thing! Cheers Macca :) I must say he does just appear to be feasting on stffof the LR though, Ill do a search on your ID
Jay:)

[grumpy_banghai]

It's when it gets bigger may be a prob. They can be known to pick at coral though I never found that yet. All crabs are omnivores and will eat what ever they can. I hate the way they hide in their holes. I'm hoping mine will just die but maybe we could try the old top of a bottle crab trap. Meaty object in upturned bottle neck, crab jumps in & can't climb out! Then we can make crab paste out of it!!

[darreni5god]

Or wrap it in a nori leaf & have sushi.:drool:

[Macca]

All crustaceans can be dodgy. The true crabs (not hermits) are basically all dodgy with exception of possibly certain members of the majidae family (spider crabs) - mithrax sculptus (emeralds), mithrax forceps (rubys), funny why these species are in the spider crab family and Stenorhynchus seticornis (arrow).

Xanthidae (mud crabs), members are very common hitch hikers, these can not be trusted, members of this family are sometimes called gorilla crabs, stone crabs, black finger crabs. Only member of this family worth considering is the pom pom crab.

Another crab often imported for re-sale is the family Grapsidae (shore crabs). The most common in the trade being the nimble crab (Percnon gibbesi) or sally light foot it again can be a dodgy purchase.

Basically the only true crab that you can be happy putting into your reef or I would happily put into mine would be members of the family Porcellanidae (swimming crabs), ie porcelain crabs.

James

[umzo]

Hi any help please found a crab in my tank with red tips on his claws,pale brown in colour no pic at moment keeps hiding,his he good or bad?something as been eating my feather duster,is this dead now? Water specs ok only have peppermint shrimps,1 blenny,1 arrowhead at mo,had these for a while so I know there not to blame. :(

[Guest]

Hi any help please found a crab in my tank with red tips on his claws,pale brown in colour no pic at moment keeps hiding,his he good or bad?something as been eating my feather duster,is this dead now? Water specs ok only have peppermint shrimps,1 blenny,1 arrowhead at mo,had these for a while so I know there not to blame. :(




if hes got pointy claws he a bad boy read up in this post what macca has said they are hard to catch though

[umzo]

Thanks the bit I seen of him they look like proper crab claws,no wot I mean. lol and hes still not popped out,but I know hes in there somewhere.:confused: