UNKNOWN Crab

[Beauman]

I have a 250 gal reef and noticed the other night after lights were off a reddish-purple crab with small front claws and hard shell, the legs were a bit hairy. Don't know where it came from. Does anyone have any idea what it might be.

Thanks
Beauman

[philip711]

Without seeing a picture it's hard, but it sounds like a Matrix (Emerald crab) there not bad, but i've had problems when they get very large, so i wouldn't worry to much they love to eat valonea (sorry bout the spelling) it's a form of algae also called bubble algae.

[Ninong]

It's probably not a Mithrax (Emerald Crab) because they are usually greenish or brownish. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...=23&pCatId=628

It isn't possible to ID it from such a brief description and even if you had a picture, the identification might be questionable.

Most crabs are opportunistic omnivores and not a good risk in a reef aquarium.

[Beauman]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

all the best

Tom

Without seeing a picture it's hard, but it sounds like a Matrix (Emerald crab) there not bad, but i've had problems when they get very large, so i wouldn't worry to much they love to eat valonea (sorry bout the spelling) it's a form of algae also called bubble algae.

[Beauman]

Ninong,

Thanks for the reply, I have several Emerald Crabs and this one doesn't look anything like them. The new one has a smooth and shinny shell which is reddish in color with white lines mixed in. The legs are hairy. Have searched internet and can find nothing.

Tom

It's probably not a Mithrax (Emerald Crab) because they are usually greenish or brownish. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...=23&pCatId=628

It isn't possible to ID it from such a brief description and even if you had a picture, the identification might be questionable.

Most crabs are opportunistic omnivores and not a good risk in a reef aquarium.

[Reefland]

I would say it would be better off not in your tank. As Ninong mentioned, crabs are opportunistic omnivores, they might not bother anything but then again, they might. It's not really worth the chance in my opinion.

BTW, Welcome to Reefland!