Crab ID

[rookie07]

I cant get a picture, but...
I found two(2) very small crabs living in my new Birdsnest Colony.
These two crabs are small, about 1" across(that includes their claws, what I would call "wing span"), and they are both orange with purple coloring here and there...they blend into the birdsnest colony very well.

If I had to guess, these 2 crabs are a mated pair, and it seems like there color is so perfect for blending in, that they are ment to live in birdsnest colonys.

Anyone know of any crabs that live in birdsnest.

 

[Sumbub]

Could very possibly be a commensal crab of some sort? I've had a few of those in a couple acro colonies that I've bought in the past. Never did any damage. Just sat around and waited for 'food' to pass out of the acropora. :splitspin

 

[rookie07]

cool, thanks...
if anyone has an opinion that would warrant removal, let me know asap

 

[Sumbub]

As long as the coral doesn't look hot and bothered :bunnies::bunnies::tongue1: it should be fine.

 

[melev]

Does it look anything like this one?
http://www.melevsreef.com/id/acro_crab.html

Or this one?
http://www.melevsreef.com/id/pocillopora_crab.html

 

[rookie07]

Melev: Thats it, thanks. Do you think they are a "mated" pair?

 

[melev]

The link to my ID page is in the left column (of links) on the Fotos page. And of course, here you go: http://www.melevsreef.com/id/

Well, that much I can't say. They may be just getting along. Which crab was it, the first or the second?

 

[rookie07]

I think the first...or atleast very similiar to the first pic....I have sean from aquatic creations coming over today to look at them.
The crabs have not left the birdsnest yet, not that ive sen atleast