Guess what I got?

So I got a new little guy today! It was an impulse buy, but I thought it was safe. It's a "sponge crab" with 6 different types of Zoas growing on him, and a tiny toad stool! As soon as I can take a picture I will post it. Does this happen very often? It is really crazy!

I just fed mysis and the water is cloudy, when it clears and I can find him I'll post a picture.

 

Is he a Decorator Crab? Sounds awesome. When the crab molts the crab will need to reattach all those corals.

 

To be candid with you, I actually don't know. They called him a "sponge" but I think he's a hermit. Do you know how they attach them? I am so fascinated by this guy!

 

I Want to see a picture of this guy

 

If it is a decorator hermit they are not Reef or fish safe as they are predatory Ime there is no such thing as a safe impulse buy. Post a picture if you can

 

Crap really? Uh.... I even quizzed him about it like crazy, and they had it in a reef tank. I'll post a picture as soon as I can get one of him! Hope he isn't.

 

Ok, do decorator crabs pick up a shell like a hermit crab does? I looked at decorator crabs on line and it doesn't look like that unless they don a shell, then it's possible. He's behind my leather right now, but like I said I'll get a picture asap.

 

No. Decorator crabs decorate there carapace but do not live in a shell.If it is in a shell it's a decorator hermit. The danger to corals is limited to when they molt and need new decorations.

 

Well that makes me feel better. He is definitely in a shell.

Hope I can keep him, we already named him. Henderson the "bad ass" crab. Excuse my language.

See if I ever impulse buy again.

 

Lol just be aware the danger to fish is very real.Post that pic as some sponge crabs may look as if they are in a shell when in fact it's a sponge.Also decorator hermits usually use anemones on there shell.Are you sure the tiny toadstool isn't an anemone?