HELP ID - Red Crab on Zoa rock

[about76gnomes]

Found this little guy this morning poking out of the rock that has my zoa on it. Rock came from my LFS about a month ago and this morning was the first time I saw him. Anyone have any idea what it is and if it's safe or not? TIA!

 

[blaxsun]

It could be a baby Hawaiian strawberry crab. If so, they're harmless and great for your reef.

 

[about76gnomes]

It could be a baby Hawaiian strawberry crab. If so, they're harmless and great for your reef.

Thanks for the input! I had thought of that being a possibility, but the stripes on the underside made me question it. Hmmm...

 

[encrustingacro]

It could be a baby Hawaiian strawberry crab. If so, they're harmless and great for your reef.

I don't think it is a strawberry crab, since it has stripes instead of dots.

 

[about76gnomes]

I don't think it is a strawberry crab, since it has stripes instead of dots.

Exactly why I had second thoughts. Any other ideas?

 

[encrustingacro]

Exactly why I had second thoughts. Any other ideas?

No, I don't really have any other ideas. I do not know much about crabs.

 

[about76gnomes]

No, I don't really have any other ideas. I do not know much about crabs.

No worries, thanks for the input!

 

[zdrc]

My understanding is that any type of crab can be a problem. Their willingness to eat anything in a pinch is part of the reason crabs are so successful in the ocean. However, lots of people keep crabs without a problem. I would keep it if I were you, it's a nice looking crab. However, I would keep an eye on it. If it starts eating things you don't want it to eat or it starts to get huge, pull it out.

 

[about76gnomes]

My understanding is that any type of crab can be a problem. Their willingness to eat anything in a pinch is part of the reason crabs are so successful in the ocean. However, lots of people keep crabs without a problem. I would keep it if I were you, it's a nice looking crab. However, I would keep an eye on it. If it starts eating things you don't want it to eat or it starts to get huge, pull it out.

Thanks! I was leaning towards this as well. He's been in the tank for the better part of a month with no issues to any of the other inhabitants, just finally decided to makehis presence known today I guess! He seems peaceful so far though, just hangs out inside small rock outcrops and whatnot. He seems to venture out when I feed the fish, that's when I noticed him peeking out today.

Looks like he'll be staying in Reeflandia on a temporary visa for now!

 

[blaxsun]

Exactly why I had second thoughts. Any other ideas?

I found these other crabs, from top to bottom: reef crab, red emerald crab, mosaic reef crab.

 

[about76gnomes]

I found these other crabs, from top to bottom: reef crab, red emerald crab, mosaic reef crab.

I appreciate the research! I came across those, but they don't look quite the same because of the stripes. I also came across the red-ridged clingling crab which also looks somewhat close to it, so I guess it's a possible match.

 

[blaxsun]

I appreciate the research! I came across those, but they don't look quite the same because of the stripes. I also came across the red-ridged clingling crab which also looks somewhat close to it, so I guess it's a possible match.

It's hard to find an exact match. Sometimes stripes/bands can vary from individual to individual. Most crabs I have that spend time in corals are simply scavenging for food (etc.) between the coral polyps, so I guess just keep a loose eye on him if you plan to keep in your display.