Can we talk about crabs?

[WormLicker]

Can we talk about a different kinda crab? 

 

I see that aside from emerald, porcelain and hermit, there is a lack of discussion on crabs. Well, I do see other species mentioned but most of the love seems to go to those guys. I mean, there are even a few shrimp guides here. They are cleanup crew, useful opportunistic feeders. Right. 

What about as a primary resident?

Aside from the "1 per gallon" guide, how do you figure the output of a larger crab?

What is your favorite crab?

 

Also feel free to share photos and stuff of your favorite pinchy friends. 🦀

[WV Reefer]

1 hour ago, WormLicker said:

Can we talk about a different kinda crab? 

 

I see that aside from emerald, porcelain and hermit, there is a lack of discussion on crabs. Well, I do see other species mentioned but most of the love seems to go to those guys. I mean, there are even a few shrimp guides here. They are cleanup crew, useful opportunistic feeders. Right. 

What about as a primary resident?

Aside from the "1 per gallon" guide, how do you figure the output of a larger crab?

What is your favorite crab?

 

Also feel free to share photos and stuff of your favorite pinchy friends. 🦀

I like Red Mithrax Crabs. They are usually quite active and stand out when crawling around the reef. 
 

[Pjanssen]

I prefer the red Mithras over the emerald, though i've been told that they are actually the same species 🤷‍♀️

 

Pom Pom crabs are really cute. Arrow crabs pretty cool. There are lots of options. Some may eat corals though so do your research. I don't think they add much to the bio load unless you feel compelled to feed them.

[chaostactics]

Hands down porcelain crabs (the anemone hosting ones)

[Murphs_Reef]

Don't tell anyone but I had crabs once.. was about 19 year old..  long story... 

 

But reef safe crabs I like emeralds... They are perfect algae controllers 👍🏼 

 

 

[RoyalGramma001]

I really love box crabs but they aren't reef safe..

[Seadragon]

On 8/6/2021 at 6:30 PM, WormLicker said:

What is your favorite crab?

I’ve tried a bunch of different "crabs" and there’s only 2 kinds that I will ever purchase again.

 

The most peaceful of the hermit crabs and also the most vibrant red… the honorable Scarlet Red Hermit Crab.

And the lesser known of the filter feeders and doesn’t need an anemone’s mucus as part of their diet, the rare Purple Porcelain Crab.

[RoyalGramma001]

2 hours ago, Seadragon said:

I’ve tried a bunch of different crabs and there’s only 2 kinds that I will ever purchase again.

 

The most peaceful of the hermit crabs and also the most vibrant red… the honorable Scarlet Red Hermit Crab.

And the lesser known of the filter feeders and doesn’t need an anemone’s mucus as part of their diet, the rare Purple Porcelain Crab.

I have Mexican red leg hermit crabs which never bother anything!

[Tired]

Fun fact: neither porcelain crabs nor hermit crabs are true crabs. Close enough for our purposes, though. 

 

I like the anemone porcelain "crabs". 

[WormLicker]

2 minutes ago, Tired said:

Fun fact: neither porcelain crabs nor hermit crabs are true crabs. Close enough for our purposes, though. 

 

I like the anemone porcelain "crabs". 

WHAT

The crabs are a lie

[WormLicker]

4 hours ago, Seadragon said:

 the honorable Scarlet Red Hermit Crab.

Aww! What a cutie! Their lil eyes absolutely tickle me !

[RoyalGramma001]

I think Pom Pom crabs are very cool but I have an eel so that won't work out too well

[PeterU]

4 hours ago, Tired said:

Fun fact: neither porcelain crabs nor hermit crabs are true crabs. Close enough for our purposes, though. 

 

I like the anemone porcelain "crabs". 

I had forgotten that fact until my LFS told me when he delivered my Porcelain Anemone Crab and Maxi-mini carpet Anemone.

[Tired]

Porcelain crabs really look like true crabs, but they're closer to squat lobsters. It's an example of carcinisation, where animals that aren't crabs evolve into a crab-like shape. Apparently "crab" is a good shape. 

[Pjanssen]

On 8/12/2021 at 9:21 AM, Murphych said:

Don't tell anyone but I had crabs once.. was about 19 year old..  long story... 

And you wonder why I referred to you as a "lot"!🤣

[Murphs_Reef]

16 minutes ago, Pjanssen said:

And you wonder why I referred to you as a "lot"!🤣

Loud and clear.. 🤣🤣

[Snow_Phoenix]

Not exactly a reef-related crab, but I have a vampire crab paludarium and these are some of my lil' pinchy dudes 🦀 :

 

 

 

 

Planning on picking up another pair soon, if they are still available at the LFS. These are called Halloween Vampire crabs (Geosesarma bicolor) due to their orange backs. Adorable, but incredibly territorial. Mine are both male. 😊