id help (orange crab)

[andrew79]

i took this guy out of my tank today, was not sure if he is reef safe or not
the crab looks like a emrald but it is a orange color with black front claws, he came in on some new lr, if any one knows what this is can you please tell me
thanks
andrew

 

[daniel411]

I tried searching for some pictures. The small crabs that I've encountered in aquariums that looked like emerald crabs, but were orange with orange or blue/black legs. Were I believe from asian mangrove areas. Actually need to be able to climb out of the water from time to time, need dirtier water, less light, and are best suited for a species only tank. Sadly, I couldn't find any pictures online to show you, and let you tell if thats what you have.

 

[andrew79]

i checked the u-build it page and this crab is a hawaii strawberry crab. now my ? is are these reef safe
thanks

 

[krowleey]

i have read here that those will eat fish and other inverts if he can catch them. dunno about corals and such

 

[jrittz]

These guys can and will eat fish that are on the brink of death or already dead. They are in essence a cleanup crew of larger things in the tank. I've had several snails and one descent sized flame angel disappear. Although i'm sure it's possible that my snowflake eel helped but I don't doubt one bit that the strawberry contributed greatly to their disappearance.