Purchased Large Lobo w/ Hitchhickers :/

[Tranquil201]

Can anyone I.D. this crab. From what I have seen online they are saying it's a Black Minthrax crab. First time really seeing him out. Is this guy reef safe?? Here are two pics I got so far will try to get a few more.

 

[blue magnum]

crabs are usually reef safe. they just knock down the corals so they are mostly annoying

 

[tentacles]

crabs are usually reef safe. they just knock down the corals so they are mostly annoying

Actually, there are only a handful of crabs that are considered to be reef safe. Keep in mind that ALL crabs, reef safe or otherwise are opportunistic feeders. If they're not adequately fed they can start to nip at corals, fish and inverts (though, most that are reef safe are too small to get ahold of a fish). Some even consider hermits to be non reef safe because they will often eat snails.

Tranquil, I'm not really sure what type of crab you've got there, so I'd throw him in your sump or fuge (if you have one) just to be safe. Is he hairy? Is his shell smooth or bumpy? About how large is he? Perhaps you could take him out and put him in a jar to take closer pictures so someone who knows more about crabs could identify him.

 

[fishman1069]

crabs are usually reef safe. they just knock down the corals so they are mostly annoying

This is a totally untrue statement! Just like Tentacles said, they can and will munch on anything they can get there lil claws on! I would thro that crab in the sump till you get a proper ID on it,

 

[Tranquil201]

I have been trying to catch him.. He only comes out of hiding at 3AM which is horrible. The only thing I have to left to try is to to completely remove my Lobo out of the water cause he hides inside of it and snatch him out.

 

[fishman1069]

Try making a trap out of a soda or water bottle. There are a bunck of vids on you tube on how to make one. Put some food in it and Im sure he'll go in there.

 

[jaa1456]

That looks almost like a Gorilla crab, I would get him out.

 

[Tranquil201]

This crab is not hairy at all. Looks just like a emerald green crab but all black with a white on his joints.

 

[rookie07]

pull the coral out, and stick a screwdriver or pencil into the he the crab is in until you flush it out....the coral will be fine for 2 mins out of the water while you remove the crab.

i would get a big bowl and place the coral and some tank water in it. then use screwdrive/pen/etc to force crab out. you dont want the crab moving to a rock you cant remove.


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[TRIGGERMAN]

yea jaa is right that evil lil bastard is a gorilla crab for sure flush'em or feed him to something lol

 

[xxxAngeloxxx]

Flush him down the hole (daffy duck baby voice) lol


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[Tranquil201]

Agh ok this is going to be a pain this lobo is huge about 30-40 pounds in weight guess I'll be flushing him out tonight I'll put him in another tank and take better photos for a more positive I.D.