I need an id on what was suposed to be an emerald crab

[mutts]

Went to my lfs looking for an emerald crab to help with bubble algae... well the lights are not very good on the store tank so i got one with out really looking at him very closely. Now i know he isn't an emerald but I need to know what he is.

BTW he molted with him 4 hours of being in the tank

[graphixx]

amanda,
not really sure, if you could get a better pic. those pincers dont look too good they look mean. the LFS did not know what he was????

[mutts]

the lfs told me he was an emerald crab... crap... i hate it when they do this. i will try to post a better picture soon. right now i have the crab isolated so he can't reek havic... i'm hoping he will be okay though (and turn into a emerald crab). i don't have the heart to kill him and i know my lfs won't take him back.

[Reptoreef]

could be a porcelin crab... ar4e there 2 fan-type parts that seem to sweep through the water near the mouth???

[mutts]

Yes there are those fan like things. Here are two better pictures:

[dakar]

No clue here... by appearance alone though I can say without a doubt it's NOT and emerald crab, like Graphixx mentioned.... he looks mean, like a carnivore.

[perpetual98]

I'd take it back to the LFS and get your money back. Looks like a nasty little bugger.

[peregrinus]

well he has what looks like sharp claws so most likely he is carnivorus... not an emerald.. if it dose spread fans out and pull them back in its a porcelin crab.

[Reptoreef]

He is a type of porcelin (AKA anemone crab) and actually quite safe. Do a google and you'll see that there are a few types with his type being a little less seen.

[Reptoreef]

BTW... he's actually a filter feeder and the pincers are more for defense and show.

[Reptoreef]

here's a link... scroll down and you'll see your buddy...
http://www.aquacon.com/crabs.html

[perpetual98]

Cool! Way to dig it up Repto!

[dakar]

We'll have to give Repto the nickname of 'digger'. Nice find.

[mutts]

Thanks a ton Repto! I really like the little guy, i am glad i will get to keep him. Makes me mad that the stupid lfs would do somthing this bad.... evil!!!! Thanks a ton guys!

[graphixx]

yep, porcelin crab. I have one exactly like him, he hangs out in my xenia. like repto said they have 2 appendages that are fanned and he captures the particulate matter out of the water colum.

[Sweetpea]

Glad to see you finally got an ID on the little guy, Amanda! ;)

[mutts]

yep did my research found out all about him, so i went a got him a buddy (they do better in pairs) and when i went to get him a friend i found an emerald crab.... and i know for sure this little guy is an emerald crab. this has been a hectic few days

[lReef lKeeper]

welll at least all the running around paid off, for you and the crabs.