This little guy came on my live rock today

[Juscuziam]

I bought some live rock for my tank today and when I pulled it out of the styrofoam box describe was at the bottom. I went through a couple of books to try and ideum but I found maybe one of you guys can tell me if this is reef safe crab or not

 

[Peace River]

As a generally rule, rounded tipped claws are algae scraping crabs, whereas pointed claws point to opportunistic feeders (including fish and sometimes even corals). I would guess Pilumnidae or Xanthidae but even if I'm correct that still includes a lot of specific species. What color are the eyes? Blue by any chance?

#reefsquad

 

[OrionN]

From the look of him, no. Need to put him in the sump but don't forget to feed him.

 

[sfin52]

sump lord.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Gorilla grab. To the sump with him

 

[LAReefer4Life]

Just make sure you're not placing with corals or smaller inverts as they get larger than typical CUC and will eat them.

 

[Peace River]

Gorilla grab. To the sump with him

Gorilla crab (Xanthid sp.) was what I was thinking which is why I asked about the eye color, although the gorilla crabs that I have seen tend to have more hair. Thoughts?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Gorilla crab (Xanthid sp.) was what I was thinking which is why I asked about the eye color, although the gorilla crabs that I have seen tend to have more hair. Thoughts?

Fuzzy legs and black tip claws

 

[Peace River]

Fuzzy legs and black tip claws

True, but that general description also applies to Pilumnus floridanus, Pilumnus sayi, (which are both somewhat common in the gulf where a lot of rock comes from) and other Pilumnus species. I certainly don't mean to challenge - just trying to dial my IDs in even better.

 

[KrisReef]

I have never seen a "reef safe" crab hitchhiker arrive on live rock.
We used to let these go in our tanks when I worked at a LFS. The triggerfish loved them.

 

[ScottR]

Those claws do remind me of a gorilla. Here’s a photo of a fish and shrimp eating gorilla crab I found in my LR once. He died a very painful death. Do not put him back in!!!