Acro crab lifespan

[thepotoo]

I got an acro crab who took up residence in one of my birdsnests and lived there quite happily for almost a year.

The crab disappeared 2 weeks ago. I have a copperband butterfly that killed off my pistol shrimp within a week of being out of quarantine (I suspect but have no proof) but hasn't done anything else, and has been with the acro crab for months.

Those of you that have acro crabs, how long do they live? Why would he have died? (or could he have gone to a different coral to live after settling in so well for so long?)

 

[jda]

Anecdotally, I think that about a year is right. That is about all the longer than I have had them live... lots of them... give or take.

 

[thepotoo]

Thanks for the reply. Mine showed up in a poci colony yesterday during feeding, so I guess he's no quite dead yet.

I love how he'll grab food right out my hand and try to attack me when I'm near his coral. Fearless little guys!

 

[ca1ore]

I have one that has been in it's acro colony for about 18 months. No idea how long they live, though I guess I should expect it to drop dead anytime now :lol: