Can Zoanthids harm Hermit Crabs?

[KMS.Kyle]

Hello,

Curious question here from a newbie - I have a really active hermit crab that I noticed settled right in the big growth of zoas on a rock and didn't move for hours or show any sign of life - I plucked him out and put him on the other side of the tank - I came back and after about an hour he seems to be moving again and headed straight for them again - this time I just let him be - He stayed there for about 6 hours until I decided to move him again and this time he hasn't moved and seems to be just sitting in his shell and his little feelers are just twitching around...

Anyone? He doesn't seem to be eating or harming the zoas.

 

[triggreef]

No. Leave it be

 

[KMS.Kyle]

Ok.. He's back there again on top of them.... In the same spot.. Not moving :/

Seems to be his home now..

 

[KMS.Kyle]

It's weird behavior considering it's never done that before until yesterday and now it refuses to be anywhere but on top of them.. .. :/

 

[Frostyfishman]

I wouldn't worry about a hermit crab that much.

 

[Sk8r]

Leave him alone. He may be trying to molt, and you can harm him if you keep futzing with him. I had a crab park in that way for 2 weeks, and she finally produced a shower of eggs. They're very fragile at such times.

 

[KMS.Kyle]

Ok!

Letting him be.

 

[xCry0x]

Id be more concerned about the zoas than the crab!

Sometimes you will see crabs pick at new frags - I believe they try to eat the glue/epoxy. Also if the frag had algae on it they will definitely come eat that if your tank is fairly algae free.