No question in my mind. It is definitively a Eunice worm. There is only one rock in my tank that did not come from TBS, a zoa frag rock. I dipped that rock for 15 minutes in CoralRx, but I suppose it’s possible the worm survived the dip and moved into another rock.
I use an iPhone 12! Wish I had the 14 with more advanced macro photo options, though.
This crab reminded me of a post I saw recently (see the link below) - it seems to be a "Hairy Crab" (Pilumnus sp.), possibly a Spineback Hairy Crab (Pilumnus sayi), it's basically a "gorilla crab" from a hobbyist perspective, but that term actually refers to crabs from the stone crab family Xanthidae, while this guy (if my ID is accurate) would be from the family Pilumnidae. As you've guessed, it's not reef safe. It is a neat find though!Found a new friend in the tank! I think this is the crab that has been leaving molts around. I’m almost certain it’s some kind of gorilla crab, so at some point it will probably need to come out.
For now, I am grateful for the cleaning service it provides. I watched it for about 15 minutes this morning; the crab scampered around the underside of its rock, picking up mysis shrimp that floated under.
www.reef2reef.com
www.reef2reef.com
You always come through with the best info. Thank you! This is so great.This crab reminded me of a post I saw recently (see the link below) - it seems to be a "Hairy Crab" (Pilumnus sp.), possibly a Spineback Hairy Crab (Pilumnus sayi), it's basically a "gorilla crab" from a hobbyist perspective, but that term actually refers to crabs from the stone crab family Xanthidae, while this guy (if my ID is accurate) would be from the family Pilumnidae. As you've guessed, it's not reef safe. It is a neat find though!
Here's another similar one:Hitchhiker's Guide to Survival
After a 20 year hiatus, I set up a reef tank about two years ago. Excited by the new things available when I set the tank up, I just couldn't resist live rock. I bought 40 pounds of it from Florida and it's been an interesting journey to say the least. Now two years later that original tank has...
Large Hairy Crab
Now mind you this guy isn't safe for a reef, but if anyone wants to set up a small tank for him, it may be cool. If you want him, just let me know. You can have him.
Another update…So, I think one reason why my Clowns have not been as interested in frozen foods is that they seem to be snacking throughout the day on the copepods on the glass. This would also explain why there are so many fewer pods now than previously, before I added fish to the tank.
Distinct head of the Eunice worm in my tank.
omg dude haha giving me nightmaresDistinct head of the Eunice worm in my tank.
Honestly, this worm is really cool. Will be happy if it sticks around and continues eating detritus!
To each their own! I’m just a fan of all the life in the tank. Aside from whelks, there aren’t too many critters I willingly remove. Eunice worms are definitely bottom of the charts as far as looks go, though!
