arrow crab and brittle star

[banga13]

I got an arrow crab and a brittle star about four days ago. The arrow crab is now killing my hermit crabs. I know that they have a bold temperment , I was just hoping there was something that I could do to help prevent this. I don't have a sump to banish him to. If I feed more often will it curb this behavior or should I find a new home for him.

The brittle star crawled under a rock and does not come out. I have watched for him for several hours after the lights go out to see if he comes out to eat. I have tried to squirt some food under the rock to make sure he eats. I'm afraid he's not eating or that he will die and I won't know it. Should I worry enough at this point to try to chase him out, or leave him be and watch and wait.
thank you ,
Leslie

 

[jaymz101]

Arrow crabs are predators on crustaceans and molluscs. Not reef safe because they will do exactly what you are seeing. Feeding more could slow down the demise of your cleaning crew but it wont stop the carnage and it also opens up a whole bunch of other problems (nutrient loading, algae blooms etc.) Save yourself the aggravation and find him a new home either back at the store or with your local reef club.

Brittle stars are mostly noctournal and will hide in the daylight. Mine only come out during feeding or well after lights out. Givbe it time before you worry about him. Id think he's just getting used to the tank and acting like a normal brittle star. Oh and no reason to target feed, he will clean up after your fishes.