ID please crab unknown

[basile]

Found this little bugger tried a few crab sites; not sure if its full grown, hitchicker found in the sand, near macroalgae debris an detritus, figuring its his thing however never know with these guys. Friend or foe.

About the size of a bean

from the top

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[Reefing Madness]

Hey Bas!! Man you get the neatest things for your tank. That lil dude I've not seen before.

 

[MrDJeep123]

Looks a bit like a sponge crab. Just no sponge.

 

[Naiad]

Naked sponge crab!

 

[basile]

Naked sponge crab!

i thought so too but i came across Atergatis subdentatus

 

[MrDJeep123]

i thought so too but i came across Atergatis subdentatus

It's a female, I believe, whatever crab it is. Females have a broader apron, while male crabs have a sharper, more triangular apron on their abdomen. Cool thing to have regardless.

 

[Squishie89]

Kind of makes sense with all the sponges you have! She is ADORABLE!

 

[fishroomlady]

I agree! My first thought was it's so CUTE!

 

[Naiad]

I'm no expert but I think it is to round to be subdentatus. They are more flat on top.

 

[Rob&Gab]

omg if my girlfriend saw this. i think im gonna get one. (TIME TO RESEARCH)!

 

[basile]

i'm also establishing this ID Family: Xanthidae, Genus: Atergatis.. and thats what i found about it.

Quote; Xanthidae crabs are known as being "the worst crabs to keep in a reef tank"


So end of line , for the little guy its sump time when i find him lol.​

 

[Naiad]

Try looking up dromiidae crabs. I am sure you will see what i mean about Atergatis being too flat