ID this giant, evil crab

[likwid]

I have had my tank set up for almost 3 years now, and since day one there has been a hairy legged crab living in my live rock. After setting up a jar with an algae wafer inside of it, I finally caught him and he is massive!

His body is about 2 inches wide, with gray-ish with bright purple spots. He has light colored hairy legs and dark eyes/pinchers.

I have had several fish disappear without a trace in my tank, and I am wondering if he is the culprit. Anyways, check out the pics and let me know if you know what type of crab this is. I don't have a sump, so I will have to dispose of him some how if he is indeed evil.

[lastlight]

Almost looks as if the evil guy has coraline growing on him! Never seen one with the purple before. A cool looking crab but likely:

evil > cool

[Lance]

KILL IT

[gobytron]

it going after the Algae wafer is probably a good sign....

What a sexy looking crab.

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by Lance

KILL IT

Maybe ship it to Lance if you're uneasy doing the evil deed. I'm sure he could drop a fan in with the poor little guy.

[reefmaster12345]

it is a emerald crab he is good but some time goes for corals

[gobytron]

Originally Posted by reefmaster12345

it is a emerald crab he is good but some time goes for corals

How can you tell?

[DiverDude]

Pretty much all crabs have some evil in them. It comes out when they get hungry -and he's big enough to cause some damage, for sure.

Your call. No crabs at all is certainly the safest approach. I think they're interesting creatures and many people have them in their tanks -at least until they eat something they like more

[ElGuappo]

Originally Posted by reefmaster12345

it is a emerald crab he is good but some time goes for corals

not sure its an emerald but it does look like some kind of mithrax crab.

[likwid]

After doing some research, it definitely is a Mithrax Crab. However, due to his massive size, I am not taking any chances and just dropped him off at the LFS. Thanks for the help!