Emerald crabs aren't compatable with clams?

[jigga w00t]

A few days ago i bought an emerald crab for $5 since I've got a bit of bubble algae. Yesterday, I bought a beautiful 2" maxima for a great deal from a local wholesaler. (Don't worry my lights are fine)

A couple of hours ago, it occurred to me that the crab might not be completely safe. After tons of research, I've found a handful of clam enthusiasts have found their emerald crabs either picking at mantles, attacking or actively eating their maximas.

The emerald crab I got was pretty active at the store - avidly picking at rocks looking for food. I watched him earlier today - picking at the rocks like he did at the store. Walking around my xenias and other corals as if they were a nuisance and in his way. A short time ago I was able to locate the crab and catch him, now hes chillin like a villain.

I'm sure theres tons of reefers that have clams and crabs with no issues; we only hear about it if there is a problem when they post in the forums. No one ever posts "Everybody is getting along great!"

Has anyone had problems with emeralds and clams? I know you guys love maximas and I'll post a pic as soon as I can...

 

[moliken]

i have. had 2 one was no issue, but the other was. not any more. caught it fast once i saw it biting. and got rid of the other too.
if you have a bit of bubble algae, why not either remove it manually or remove the rock its on? unless a bit is a real lot.

 

[jigga w00t]

if you have a bit of bubble algae, why not either remove it manually or remove the rock its on? unless a bit is a real lot.

you know wat, its not even that bad. I figured I'd get the crab before the bubble algae spread uncontrollably. But it hasn't... yet. I spend so much time on my tank anyway, might as well add 'bubble algae patrol' on the list.

BTW what was your emerald biting?

 

[moliken]

oh, thought it was obvious. clawed at the mantle of a clam, actually my teardrop maxi

 

[jigga w00t]

Ok thanks for the help, moliken.

Here's a pic of the little guy, about 2 inches. Light blue color and those orange stripes made him stand out from the others. I got the derasa about 11 months ago and it was the same size!

 

[jtdesotel]

Are you sure he was not just eating something off the shell of the clam? I have seen mine do this several times...

 

[CorkPullerPHL]

I think emeralds get a bad wrap. Mine used to eat algae off of my hammer coral. It never picked tissue though...

 

[moliken]

individual animals do stuff differently. i had 2 em crabs, one fine the other did the damage, and i am sure it was damage, as i saw the missing piece. and go phils!

 

[SLove1104]

I lost a Crocea last week with not a clue as to what in my tank killed it... My emerald is a suspect...

 

[jigga w00t]

I lost a Crocea last week with not a clue as to what in my tank killed it... My emerald is a suspect...

Sorry for the loss. Were all the params ok? How old and how big was the clam? You know how big the crab is too?

 

[Whisperer]

Unless your clam is weakened and unable to retreat, any tankmate will take the opportunity to dine on it. Take a mussel, open it and place it in the middle of the tank and watch everyone go to feeding frenzy.

 

[SLove1104]

Sorry for the loss. Were all the params ok? How old and how big was the clam? You know how big the crab is too?

I've had the clam for about 5-6 months and it was fine and healthy up until I found an empty shell in the morning... It was pretty small, only maybe 2-3" and the emerald is smaller.

I have mostly passive group of fish except my one Falco Hawk who's a little punk... I've never seen anyone nip anything but that Hawk and even so he'll nip at newcomers but not coral or inverts... only fish. I'm betting it's the emerald though since he's definitely not shy and is all over the place...

As for params, all were in place except my phosphate's a little high... Been battling that recently but it's getting better...

 

[nanonubey]

I have two emrald crabs and seven clams, so far no issues over the last year.

 

[jigga w00t]

I have two emerald crabs and seven clams, so far no issues over the last year.

I've done a little more research and it seems male crabs tend to be more aggressive (which is what I found out I have). Perhaps you have 2 females?