good luck, people have been looking forever. This was a reef cleaners pick up but I swear one comes in stock only about once every 2-3 years.
This is very true. I've reached out to both KP and Reef Cleaners and both have said they have waiting lists miles long and just do not see them anymore. They don't know if it is environmental, seasonal thing that is in a rut, or they have just become better and blending in so the collectors no longer see them. Or maybe even rules with collection that make it difficult.
Two fun notes.
1. I have been looking for one of these for a good spell now with zero luck. Waiting list both KP and Reef Cleaners and I send messages almost quarterly asking. Anyway on 12/7/2024 KP Aquatics sent out an email to their waiting list that said they had the Gaudy's in stock. Of course I'm in Fiji at the time on a dive trip when it comes in and see the email when I get back. POO! Anyway I shoot KP a email asking how quickly it sold and he laughed. It was posted as available on accident, sold in a couple minutes, and had to refund the buyer back :D All in under 15 minutes.
2. Second one is a bit odd but I figured why not. I reached out to Elliot at Marine Collectors asking if they could possible source one. You know reach out to a diver or collector in that area and maybe ask them to pay special attention to this particular crab. Many of us have been waiting so it may be a good thing for both. The reply I got back was more or less what the heck is a Gaudy Clown Crab and no, not even sure where to start...
So there you go. KP accidentally posted availability and it sold, and was refunded, within 15 minutes. Marine Collectors, no fault of their own, have no idea what the crab is and wasn't really sure how to start.
TL; DR - I'm probably going to have to make a dive trip to the Florida coastal waters and see if I can find one on my own...
