This crab just showed up...is it reef safe?

Discussion in 'ID This!' started by infamous, Dec 6, 2008.

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  1. infamous

    infamous Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    crab1.jpg

    crab2.jpg

    crab3.jpg

    crab4.jpg

    I just saw this crab and was about to take it out...but the thing took off by the time i got the tongs :)

    Is this crab reef safe or should i hunt for it?
     
    infamous, Dec 6, 2008
    infamous, Dec 6, 2008
    #1

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  2. Froc3

    Froc3 Fire Goby

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    I can't really tell, but usually you can tell by their claws. If they're serrated then they are usually not considered reef safe.. maybe i have that bassackwards, but at any rate, i think that's the rule of thumb. If not seems almost like an emerald crab minus the emerald. Maybe some of the more experienced guys will chime in.
     
    Froc3, Dec 6, 2008
    Froc3, Dec 6, 2008
    #2
  3. LCP136

    LCP136 Sailfin Tang

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    It kind of looks like a porcelain crab, but the pictures are too blurry to really tell. Look it up and see if it looks like that.
     
    LCP136, Dec 6, 2008
    LCP136, Dec 6, 2008
    #3
  4. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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    No it's a bad crab. best to banish it to your sump or fug

    J
     
    Jason McKenzie, Dec 6, 2008
    Jason McKenzie, Dec 6, 2008
    #4
  5. infamous

    infamous Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    why is it a bad crab and what kind of crab is it?
     
    infamous, Dec 7, 2008
    infamous, Dec 7, 2008
    #5
  6. infamous

    infamous Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    It does resemble procelain crab

    How do i catch him
     
    infamous, Dec 7, 2008
    infamous, Dec 7, 2008
    #6

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  7. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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    There are millions of crab species out there so a 100% ID is next to impossible. But a good rule of thumb is. If the claws are pointy that is Bad, If the claws are Black that is also Bad, if the crab is hairy that is also Bad.

    These crabs are generally harmless until they grow a little bigger. I have watched they eat prized corals. Also take out snails and hermits. And if they get big enough they can take out fish

    J
     
    Jason McKenzie, Dec 7, 2008
    Jason McKenzie, Dec 7, 2008
    #7