crab ID

[rmw4547]

I have a small pink crab that has black and white stripes on his rear legs and hair. So far he stays in a hole and only eats alge. Any one know what he is?

[kar93]

Im thinking Mithrax

[rmw4547]

it looks like one in shape but is pink not green and the legs have the stripes.

[kar93]

not all mithrax are green

[Travis L. Stevens]

Not sure how you derived Mithrax from the description since crabs are seperated in to families by the carapace shape. Mithrax are pretty common crabs, and you stand a fair chance that might be the family it comes from, but there isn't any identifying details in the description. I would try to get a picture if possible.

[kar93]

Originally posted by Travis L. Stevens
Not sure how you derived Mithrax from the description

Hairy n Stripey legs - Mithrax

[Travis L. Stevens]

Originally posted by kar93
Hairy n Stripey legs - Mithrax

There are LOTS of crabs that have hairy and stripey legs. In fact, most crabs have hair on their legs. A good example is Pom Pom Crabs. They are from the Xanithdae family and have striped legs that are relatively hairy and so are many other genus and species that fall under that family. Heck, the often misnamed "Gorilla Crabs" can be hairy with striped legs, and more often than not, they too are Xanthids.

[Travis L. Stevens]

In any case, I do advise caution with any crab that has hitchhiked into your tank. Crabs are opposrtunistic feeders and will eat about anything they can get their claws on; both live and dead. Chances are it will eventually do something that you might not like (eat a fish, eat some corals, pinch your finger, etc )

[dc]

Agree with Travis. Any way you can get a picture? Even crabs we buy are iffy.