Small hitchhiker crab ID

dmy535 · Jan 7, 2021

Just got my clean up crew that arrived today to help battle the ugly stage now that they have food to eat. Anyways, noticed this little crab scurrying up a rock. He’s barely visible, almost translucent and I’m surprised I saw him. He immediately started picked at the green algae which is good! I thought maybe a hermit that lost his shell but don’t think so. Just curious if I could get an id from someone here. Sorry, I tried searching the forum first and didn’t find my answer so figured I’d post it.

xxkenny90xx · Jan 8, 2021

No need to apologize for asking a question! How come you say it isn't a hermit? I think I can see it's little arm/tail thing thats supposed to grab onto it's shell

RedFrog211 · Jan 8, 2021

Originally I also thought hermit, but now that I look at it, I think his carapace is very circular for a hermit. They usually have elongated carapaces, resembling more of a lobster than a crab. However, to bring up Kenny’s point, it definitely seems to have a tail in place of where most crabs have their 5th pair of legs. Personally, I’d keep the little fella! Just keep a close eye out- maybe drop a shell or two for him to pick up

dmy535 · Jan 8, 2021

We shall Find out if he lost a shell or not! I have extras. Or, if he survives I’ll keep you updated.

Topekoms · Jan 8, 2021

It's a hermit

dmy535 · Jan 8, 2021

Topekoms said:
It's a hermit

That’s what I figured too. Just wanted to ensure it wasn’t a gorilla crab baby or something bad! But I’m guessing he just jumped out of his shell

xxkenny90xx · Jan 8, 2021

dmy535 said:
That’s what I figured too. Just wanted to ensure it wasn’t a gorilla crab baby or something bad! But I’m guessing he just jumped out of his shell

How about a porcelain crab? They have a weird little flap like a lobster tail