Adorned Wrasse going after Emerald Crab

[whalloper]

I have a 3 1/2" adorned wrasse in a 30gal tank. I just bought an emerald crab to try and take care of some bubble algae and the wrasse is picking at him. The crab is about 1" across. He hasnt done any damage, but should I be worried? The crab was doing fine, out eating, and then the wrass struck at him a couple of times. What do you think?

 

[whalloper]

I take that back, the emerald crab is bigger than that...maybe 1 1/2", a decent size

 

[redfishsc]

Hmmm. Try to keep the wrasse gut-loaded for now. Maybe after a while he'll get lazy and decide to leave the little fellow alone.

 

[Grassroots]

Yes you should be worried. Halichoeres cosmetus is the fish you have correct? They will eat inverts, especially the smaller snails and such; there is a chance the crab is large enough that it will not be killed but when it molts is the time you need to be careful because that is when they do not have their armor and can easily be attacked and eaten by predators.

 

[snorvich]

The wrasse will win. No doubt about it.

 

[whalloper]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15229611#post15229611 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snorvich
The wrasse will win. No doubt about it.

wow! ssssoooo...even feeding him a ton wont help? I fed him a million mysis tonight and hes not too interested now.

 

[blue44magnum]

i think eventually he will eat the crab , no telling when .it's just a matter of when the time is right.