do clowns normally kill hermit crabs?

[kissmeplenty]

Hi there everyone. I recently got my first clowns and am enjoying them very much. Today I noticed a hermit crab was pulled out of its shell and dead. I would assume the clowns did this as they are the only fish in the tank. Is this normal? I have also seen them knock the crabs off the rocks occasionally. Does it mean I'm not feeding them enough? Thanks!

 

[drparker]

No they don't what your seeing is molt. When they grow they shed the old skeleton and have a larger one underneath. The old one looks pretty whole with color and everything but it's just a shell. The new skeleton is soft for a little while so they are extra shy and hide until it hardens up, shrimp will do the same thing.

Now if a hermit out grows his shell he will kill a snail for a larger shell.

 

[WM15]

i totally agree with drparker and my clown knocks the hermits and snails off the rocks if they get too close to his anemone she will literally pick them up swim around the tank and drop them

 

[kissmeplenty]

Thank you both for your help. I did see the shell less crab brawling with his tank mates so sounds like you were dead on. Thanks!

 

[EllieSuz]

Get some larger shells so your hermits have something to "grow into". If the hermits are fighting, it's because one of them needs a larger shell.