I saw somthing at the LFS

[Johnny]

While at the fish store I saw a crab standing on a piece of live rock it was standing on its back legs with its front legs extended out. It apeared to be feeding from the water and as it collected something it would move the food to its mouth.

When I asked the girl working she said it was a type of spider crab.

When asked if it was reef safe she said it would pull things off the reef and use it to camaflage itself, but would not eat any of the reef.


This thing is cool and I want one if it is safe, But I have no clue what it is.

help

[Fiji Live Rock]

It is a Spider Decorator Crab and they are NOT reef compatible! :!:

The Spider Decorator Crab, also known as Camposcia Decorator Crab or Decorator Crab, is a member of the Majidae family of spider and decorator crabs. It decorates its brown body with sponges, shells, rocks, and other items as a method of camouflage.

It is nocturnal, hunting at night. It is not reef compatible, eating some invertebrates. It may be harmful, as well, as it harvests algae, soft corals, and invertebrates to adorn its shell.

The diet of the Spider Decorator Crab should include meaty foods such as chopped fish and clams.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 3"

http://www.liveaquaria.com/images/products/large/pw79895spider_decorator.jpg

Quick Stats
Care Level: Easy
Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 4"
Reef Compatible: No
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Majidae



Hope that helps you.

[Johnny]

Cant tell much from the picture but that sounds right.

I hate that because that thing was cool to watch. :(

[Pineapple House]

Is this the crab?
http://www.etropicals.com/images/products/large/pw79882arrow_crab.jpg

If it is i'll go on :)

PH =)

[Fugly]

There is one of these crabs at my local store also, and as fuji said, they are not recommended with sensitive invertibrates, corals etc. It is living in the liverock tank there. Looks very amazing I must admit but couldn't compare to the corals it will feast on. :oops: :wink:

[RazerCorals]

Finally someone was able to identify the crab. I had 3 of those about 2 years ago that came with my LR. They killed all my astreas. In the dark they come out and grab them. Then pull them into their hideout. I killed them all. They are evil. First bad critter I got as a tag along.

[Johnny]

No, what I saw was not a arrow crab. The crab I saw was not as smooth looking as a arrow crab. I really would not have even known it was a crab if I would not have been told.

[michealprater]

arrow crabs love to eat bristle worms.

[nyfireman3097]

Hey i had one and the F#*@ ate 2 clown fish of mine the first one i gave him the benifit of the doubt the next one i coaught him holding the clown like a piece of corn and eating him

[vampireshark]

I would not take the chance with that crab without the person at your LFS knowing a bit more about it. Does not soung like the person at the LFS knew much about this stuff. Anyway, there are several crabs that are reef compatible, if interested in owning some crabs, check out the many varieties of porcelain crabs. I have three in my tank and on of them(my anemone crab) actually lives in my bubbletip anemone.

attached is a poor pic of one of them. It is in the middle, above the single mushroom.

[rublue]

now wait a minute. I agree with the earlier post that these guys are not the best with sensitive corals, but if you have a tank with some hardi softies, they are a very cool addition. i just have a colt coral, some star polys, some shrooms, ricordia, and some buttons. along with a decorator crab. he's happily decked himself in mostly hair algae. on occation he's grabbed a couple snips of the star polys and the did grab one button poly. but nothing is worse for wear. they don't intentionally damage anything other than to take a small piece to smack on themselves to look like the surroundings. thats the only reason why they get listed as not being reef safe. if you have inverts than can handle a nibble or two now and then, then there shouldn't be a problem.

[nyfireman3097]

Yeah you think so huh well like i said 2 Clown Fish and a whole bunchj of polyps ripped out of the rock they were on

[rublue]

was this the arrow crab or the decorator crab? they are different species.

[nyfireman3097]

This was the arrow crab

[rublue]

yeah, i had one and he munch his share of my star polyps before i booted his butt out of my tank. but i haven't had the same problem with the decorator crab.

[Dragon'sReef]

watchman you killed them??? :shock: :x your the evil one you could have spared them a brought them to your lfs!!!!! :x