emerald crabs

[mallorieGgator]

I really like the way these guys look and was thinking of adding a few to my 55 when it's up and running. I know they will eat bubble algae which is good. Will they disturb any corals, fish, clams, or other invertebrates? Thanks! :spin1:

 

[LPS_Blasto]

I'll probably get flamed for this response, but it don't cost ya nothing. :lol2:


All crabs are opportunistic scavengers. ALL of them. The theory is that emeralds are harmless herbivores. The reality of it is they will eat meat and attack snails IF they get the chance. I've seen emerald crabs attack a nessarius snail. Thats an easy attack too because a ness snail has a long foot thats easy to get at. The snail made a mad dash for the sand bed but the emerald dug him up and continued attacking. The snail was helpless. I've also seen emeralds attack bristle worms and rip them to shreds before eating them. And I've seen emeralds eat brine, mysis, krill etc...

Usually - I said USUALLY - they are peaceful when they are small. Most of them are happy to eat hair algae and bubble algae until their body gets about the size of a quarter. After they get that big, anything in the tank that moves or smells like food is fair game. They are CRABS.

I've never seen an emerald eat any type of coral.

 

[EaZy DuZ iT]

Most people label them as non aggresive, but till this day I havnt owned one that wasnt aggresive.

 

[Dave71]

I have owned 4 and not one was aggressive. I really like them, and will continue to purchase.

I am certainly not invalidating others experience, just sharing my own.

 

[Guygettnby]

I'll probably get flamed for this response, but it don't cost ya nothing. :lol2:


All crabs are opportunistic scavengers. ALL of them. The theory is that emeralds are harmless herbivores. The reality of it is they will eat meat and attack snails IF they get the chance. I've seen emerald crabs attack a nessarius snail. Thats an easy attack too because a ness snail has a long foot thats easy to get at. The snail made a mad dash for the sand bed but the emerald dug him up and continued attacking. The snail was helpless. I've also seen emeralds attack bristle worms and rip them to shreds before eating them. And I've seen emeralds eat brine, mysis, krill etc...

Usually - I said USUALLY - they are peaceful when they are small. Most of them are happy to eat hair algae and bubble algae until their body gets about the size of a quarter. After they get that big, anything in the tank that moves or smells like food is fair game. They are CRABS.

I've never seen an emerald eat any type of coral.

perfect answer my friend. i could not have said it better myself :thumbsup:

 

[mallorieGgator]

Thanks for the input all! I may start with one and keep an eye out on it.

 

[RichConley]

I have owned 4 and not one was aggressive. I really like them, and will continue to purchase.

I am certainly not invalidating others experience, just sharing my own.

I've had not problems with them either. I overfeed though.

 

[M88A2]

i've had 2 and niether of them have shown any agression. my clown even used to pecks at her when she comes too close to the mushroom but not anymore. it could have easily snacked on my snails that pass her by but it has yet to do so. i think if you keep them well fed (natural growing algea, food you feed the tank) it reduces the chance of it attacking anything. after all, why go hunting when theres a buffet in front of you. also, just like every other creature, it depends on the individual.

heres a pic of mine with her clown roomie, how can u say no to that?

 

[Dave71]

Nice pic..thanks for sharing.

heres a pic of mine with her clown roomie, how can u say no to that?

 

[mallorieGgator]

Cute picture! Thanks for sharing your experience with them.

 

[geemanaz]

my Emerald carb eat my Margarita Snail the other day and i keep him feed good
but Emerald Card eat 24/7 a day so must got the Margarita Snail at night when i was a sleep.

 

[M88A2]

there is no double that they are oppurtunistic, they are after all crabs. perhaps the snail was weak? is there ample food for the snail because i saw the crab snacking on a turbo (which was throw in my tank with out my knowing) who was weak from lack of food. if its an easy mean then they would probably go after it. but thats not all bad, better than letting the snail decay and polute the tank.

 

[loganthebomb]

brittle stars or serpent stars

brittle stars or serpent stars

sorry i forgot i was on this page and posted a reply

 

[DarthAWM]

Thanks for the input all! I may start with one and keep an eye out on it.

One is a good number I tried two, but they got territorial and now my number is back to one