2 Arnold Crabinators! aghhh!

[dowtish]

So I have had 2 emerald crabs in my tank for about 2 months, and they have been awesome relentless cleaners. They both molted within 2 weeks of having them, and I really didnt notice any size difference. Well that has all changed. They have both molted again, and have doubled in size and their claws have tripled! I was not aware that they were juicers. These guys are huge! And I am somewhat worried they are going to get an attitude as well. I dropped some food in tonight and one went reaching for a piece and missed but his claw landed in my xenia, so he just ripped off the polyp and munched on it. I immediately stuck my hand in the tank to scare him off. It looks like it's time to capture these thugs....oh joy...

I have read that the best way is to set a small jar at an angle to where they can climb in after some bait, and then are unable to climb out.

Any other full proof methods out there????

 

[Flippers4pups]

Netted mine by luring by throwing a chunk of shrimp in a corner and scooping him up from behind. He decided to have one of my blue chromis as sushi one night and that was all she wrote.

 

[Josh_Canada]

i would suggest netting them at night, because with traps you almost NEVER trap what you wanted to...

 

[dowtish]

what do you use to lure them out at night? a piece of food? light?

 

[Flippers4pups]

Food.

 

[rjmayes34]

they make little traps also. It might just take a few nights. They sell for around $20 i think. I have never had a problem with emerald crabs in my reef tank. I love them, they are so cool to watch and look at! I have four in my tank now. If anything they will bother your fish,its hard to believe that it went after a coral. Good luck!

 

[dowtish]

they make little traps also. It might just take a few nights. They sell for around $20 i think. I have never had a problem with emerald crabs in my reef tank. I love them, they are so cool to watch and look at! I have four in my tank now. If anything they will bother your fish,its hard to believe that it went after a coral. Good luck!

honestly I think it was a fluke thing. he reached for the food and missed and just happened to grab at the xenia. he hasnt gone after it since, so I think it was actually a mistake.

 

[mscarpena]

I doubt it was a mistake. I make it a policy of mine to not add any crabs or shrimp to my reefs. I feed sparingly and they always turn to eating something they should not. They are opportunistic feeders and if hungry will generally eat anything.