Emerald Crab Attack?

[thecichlidpleco]

Ever since I got my emerald crab about two months ago, I have lost two peppermint shrimp and today I lost my blood red shrimp. I never saw what happened to my peppermints, but my blood red was acting like it was seriously hurt somehow, a tiny brittlestar was even grabing at its leg trying to eat it. Then the emerald finally got to it and ate it. I dont know if the crab caused this, but has anyone else experienced emerald crabs that kill shrimp?

 

[yiliyang]

Hey Dude:

It is very unlikely that the crab hurt the shrimps. From your description it sounds like nitrate poisoning. Crustaceans are very sensitive to nitrate. If your parameter is 80+, shrimps will act drunk and then just die. In that state, they can be easily caught and eaten.

Check your nitrate. I have not heard emerald crab hunt and eat shrimps. They are opportunistic feeders, they will eat a shrimp if it become really sick.

Good luck