Pretty sure this is a gorilla crab

[mmorrison55]

Almost certain it is since it’s “hairy” and has the black tips on its claws.

Agree or do you think it’s something else?

 

[X-37B]

Yep. Gorilla crab to the sump.

 

[Reef Jedi]

Yep. Gorilla crab to the sump.

Agreed! Sump it.

 

[mmorrison55]

Let’s start a discussion on reef tank pest control and AI

AI suggests disposal… do you agree?



Dispose of it. Gorilla crabs are highly destructive pests in reef aquariums and should not be moved to a sump.

Why Avoid the Sump​

• Escape Risk: They can easily climb up plumbing, return lines, or wires to re-enter your main display tank.
• Equipment Damage: Their powerful claws can chew through internal equipment wires, damage foam filters, or clog pump impellers.
• Sump Ecosystem Damage: They will rapidly consume beneficial microfauna, copepods, and clean-up crew members living in your refugium. [1]

Safe Disposal Methods​

• Humane Euthanasia: Place the crab in a small container of tank water and put it in the freezer. The drop in temperature induces a painless, comatose state before death. [2]
• Local Fish Store (LFS): Check if a local shop wants it for a predatory/pest-only display tank or as live food for large triggers or mantis shrimp.
• Do NOT Release: Never flush the crab or release it into local natural waterways, as this introduces invasive species and diseases. [3]

Do you need help trapping the crab out of your rockwork, or are you worried there might be more hidden eggs and crabs in your tank?

[1] https://www.youtube.com
[2] https://www.nj.gov
[3] https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au

 

[X-37B]

I do not agree. Its to easy to just dispose of it. Mine are in the sump with no issues.