Crab that came in on live rock

[Anonymous]

If I had a camera that I could shoot this with, I'd include a picture. I got some live rock that was cultured in the Gulf of Mexico, and it had a little crab that I'd like to identify before he causes problems (if he's going to...). He's about the size of a quarter, red body, red and pale red striped legs, 2 long antennae, and claws that are about 1/3 of his body size or more. He's really cute, but the size of those claws makes me think predatory. Anyone have any idea what this little guy is?

Thanks,

James Payne
japayne@iupui.edu

 

[Anonymous]

The antenna make me think shrimp. Could it be a pistol shrimp? Maybe a little lobster?

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[Anonymous]

I don't think he's a shrimp or lobster. He has a very defined, classic crab shape. Maybe a false crab, but not a shrimp. The antenna surprised me a bit too. I'd never seen that on a crab.