Another hairy crab ID

[Luananeko]

Found this lil' dude hanging out in my HOB refugium today.

He's hairy, so I assume he's a bad crab, but what kind is he? Doesn't seem like a gorilla crab since he's so colorful, extra fuzzy, and doesn't have black tips (they're brown). Is it ok to leave him in the fuge or would he murder my pod population? Is there any chance he could find his way to the DT since it's a HOB fuge?

 

[sfin52]

Man that is one cool crab

 

[Katrina71]

Man that is one cool crab

I agree!

 

[Katrina71]

Maybe an xanthid crab?

 

[Katrina71]

@Lovemyreef2015 do you happen to know?

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

Definitely a Xanthidae crab. Not reef safe. Great picture for a ID!

 

[JasonK84]

That crab is so cool looking!

 

[Katrina71]

Definitely a Xanthidae crab. Not reef safe. Great picture for a ID!

Thanks! I figured you'd know.

 

[Luananeko]

Definitely a Xanthidae crab. Not reef safe. Great picture for a ID!

Thanks! Makes it easy to photograph him when he's sitting right against the edge of the fuge ;) !

I had a feeling he was an unfriendly type... But he's so cool looking! I have a FOWLR, not a reef. I assume he'd still snack on any fish he could grab if he were in the DT though? Is he safe to keep in the fuge at least or would he destroy the pod population there?

 

[Dancingmad]

Awesome picture!

Looks like a new sump lord to me!

 

[islandguy85]

I caught one in my tank the other night, not the same species. I put it down in my sump and am wondering if it will live successfully down there on its own or do I need to feed it? I am thinking there is not a whole lot to eat after water passes thru filter socks into sump area. Sump has rock and sand but no lighting or any other living things to my knowledge. I can supplemental feed it I guess, or axe him?

 

[Maritimer]

If you've got rock and sand, then it's not unlikely you've got worms and 'pods ... and Mr. Crabs has got lunch.

~Bruce

 

[Katrina71]

I'd keep him!

 

[Luananeko]

I'd keep him!

I really want to as long as it's not going to cause a major dent on my pod generation ability! Ideally I'd like to let him stay in the HOB fuge instead of dropping him down to the sump where I can't see him... I just don't want to risk him finding his way to the DT if he's likely a fish eater variety!

 

[Luananeko]

I think I've found a positive ID thanks to the Wet Web Media crew: Spineback Hairy Crab, Pilumnus Sayi. I don't suppose anyone knows how big they get? If they don't get too big I'll try to keep him in my sump :)

 

[Sea MunnKey]

That's a Cool crab!! Can I have it ...? :D

 

[Maritimer]

I don't suppose anyone knows how big they get? If they don't get too big I'll try to keep him in my sump :)

This website: http://bio.vtn2.com/gr-inverts/grlist.html?spp=Pilumnussayi&filaindex=1

shows several images (including a berried female) indicating that these guys get about 3-4cm across the carapace. Good-looking crab!

~Bruce