Live Sand Hitchhiker ID Help

CheifReeferNB

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Nov 5, 2025
Messages
103
Reaction score
58
Location
Massachusetts
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
If recently purchased some live sand from gulf live rock. It’s a very rubble like substrate and has come with a ton of critters. I need some help identifying them. I’ve attached some images below. Any help would be appreciated!

Crab 1:
Camouflaged red crab. Furry legs and a little red hat looking mark. Kind of looks like a jumping spider. Clinging on to that rock for dear life would not budge when I moved him around.
20251226_001317_081F1404-6375-4353-81E3-18E39300C3E0.png

20251226_001336_C9CECC7D-2DAF-49E6-AD07-6B9977CD0C98.png

Crab 2:
Little all white crab. Scared of light and hides in sand.
20251226_001407_750BFA4A-E172-4A13-A14B-79DA34C2BB9B.png

20251226_001407_5776D965-7A56-4266-9E2A-88ECEF95C7B6.png
 
I’m thinking crab 1 is a decorator crab and the second one is a small porcelain crab. Can’t quite tell though.
For certain they are interesting, biodiverse & probably a beneficial member of CUC.
 
I would isolate them in some container they can’t crawl out of like a like tupperware side dish or plastic container. Until you’re sure they not harmful.
 
Hitchhiker crabs are definitely a trust, but verify, situation to me.
 

WHEN REEFING GETS TOUGH, WHAT KEEPS YOU MOST INVESTED?

  • My livestock depends on me, so I keep showing up for them

    Votes: 14 58.3%
  • I look for small signs that things are improving

    Votes: 3 12.5%
  • I want to figure out what’s going wrong

    Votes: 1 4.2%
  • I remind myself that rough stretches will pass...just keep reefing

    Votes: 3 12.5%
  • I lean on other reefers for advice or encouragement

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • I simplify, step back from tinkering, and give the tank time

    Votes: 2 8.3%
  • Honestly, sometimes I wonder if I want to keep going

    Votes: 1 4.2%
  • Other (Post in the comments)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
Back
Top
Home
Post thread…
Market
What's new