Crab Indentification

[Banana Man]

Hi,

I have my tank up and running for just over 2 months now. Today i spotted a small black crab about the size of an emerald crab and managed to get him out of the tank. Does anyone know what it is and if its safe to put back in my tank? I had a Peppermint Shrimp and Cleaner Shrimp die last week so im now wondering if this guy could be the culprit. Seems unlikely though with its size.

Thanks!

 

[Aquarian]

Are the claws sharp pointed or blunt and rounded?

 

[Banana Man]

They seem to be pointed

 

[Smitty]

Sounds like a gorilla crab...not friendly or reef safe at all.

 

[Banana Man]

Thanks. Just googled it and found this picture of a Gorilla Crab which seems to look like what i have.

Luckily i saw him poking out of a small rock that i could easily remove from my tank. Cant imagine the hassle of trying to catch one of these!

 

[Smitty]

No problem...Good job getting him out quickly. He's the culprit that ate your shrimps.