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
[email protected]

 

[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.