crab analysis

[1979camaro]

I have noticed a new critter in the 55 the last couple days...I assume he came in on some of the LR or something as I know I did not purchase him. He is definitely a crab of some sorts...similar in many ways to what I have known as an emerald mithrax, but yet not the same...his legs are much spindlier and not harry. also, the claws are not enlarged...they look more like small pincers. just thought i would post his pic on the off chance that someone here knows what it is. hasn't been bothering anything, just picking at some hair algae so i figure thats a good thing. I'm not worried...just curious i suppose

K

 

[1979camaro]

forgot the attachment...you may notice he is missing a leg on one side...seems like it was taken clear out of the socket...he still gets around pretty good though. as you can tell, his eyes are on stalks

 

[1979camaro]

angle view...the crarapace seems taller than on my emerald crabs and it has a bumpy ridge around the back as well like a pachycephalosaur...its a bit of a mystery to me

 

[1979camaro]

my final observation is that it has a much more erect gait than the emerald crabs

 

[1979camaro]

for comparison: what i have always known as an emerald crab

 

[tammielynz9881]

i don't know what he is but its definately a neat looking little guy! I have not had anything come out of my live rock but was hoping for something that would help me out like the little crab you got there, as long as its purpose is to help clean up the algae. As you noticed im getting freaked out over algae lately.... If you find out what he is let me know i want one. I printed the picture and if i find out when i go to the lfs today i will let you know.

 

[S.Reef]

Umm... I think I have one of these in my reef. Its been there for about a year and hasnt harmed anything yet. It probably is a rock dwelling crab that feeds on algae and detritious.

 

[1979camaro]

thats what i figured Sam...he is kind of neat Tammielynnz...Sam left you a great list for a cleanup crew in your other post. i find that watching those animals can often be as fascinating as watching the fish and corals

 

[tammielynz9881]

i replied in another post to ya but when i asked the lfs when i took your pic you had in,, he said its a emerald crab, i told him you had another emerald crab and he said that its none the less an emerald. sorry if it doesn't help ya... i found that the hermits and snails are active little buggers.... thanks for the cleanup crew listing sam,, i will work on getting more as i can afford it,,, im sorta tapped out right now.....

 

[1979camaro]

interesting...im willing to accept that i suppose...though it is certainly the most peculiar emerald crab i have ever seen...guess i have three now

 

[S.Reef]

Mmm...thanks for the compliment. And yes a very interesting emerald crab.