Crab ID

[buffy1270]

I was finally able to get somewhat of a picture of the crab I mentioned in my previous thread. Is this a red emerald crab? He has grown quite a bit. The pictures are terrible so I apologize - the best I could get.

crab 002.JPG

crab 003.JPG

[J.B.]

It's really difficult to tell from this picture...can you see if you can get a little more of a clear shot.

[buffy1270]

I'll try. I have to rely on him to move around to a good area for me. I am probably going to remove him anyway as I have heard even if he is an emerald he could turn aggressive or at the least eat coral. Not sure if that is true but I would rather not take the chance. If I can catch him I will take him to my lfs or put him in my sump.

[Freshwater Tropic]

I would honestly leave him. More than likely he is a Emerald Crab(with a better picture I will be able to tell better). If so, Emerald crabs are a very beneficial addition to your clean-up crew. It is rare that they move on to eating corals. Emerald Crabs are opportunistic feeders. So, If ample food isn't available than they may turn to eating corals. A way to avoid this is to just "Hand Feed"(Not literally with your hand necessarily) bits of shrimp or silverside. I usually feed mine with plastic tweezers and a bit of chopped up silversides. That should keep them well satisfied so that they leave the corals be. I have to this day never had one touch my corals. Do what you please though, But you shouldn't have to worry.

Still, I would like to see a better picture whenever possible. Thank You!

[Crazygar]

Yeah, if you could get a clear shot that would be wonderful. Doesn't look like he's all that big but a closer more detailed shot will for surely help us ID the little guy.

I assume he has a "favorite" rock he likes to hang out on? Looks like an Emerald Crab but the color is different.

Gary

[Freshwater Tropic]

I think the red ones are sometimes referred to as "Ruby" crabs instead of "emerald". I will know better with the clearer picture. I'm anxious to find out for sure. . . I always like to see what critters everyone finds on their LR.

[Crazygar]

Unless you are SteveJor which it would be Mantis Shrimp.

Gary

[Freshwater Tropic]

Yeah! Lucky ! Lol

[Crazygar]

Nasty little critters, but I will admit the cool factor out of 10 is about 20.

Gary

[J.B.]

I have a red crab that is called a Strawberry Crab (Liomera sp.). Little smaller pincers, but otherwise very similar. Might be one of these.

[Freshwater Tropic]

That's definitely a possibility! Good addition J.B.