Emerald crabs

[LadyG]

I was wondering, I would like to get a couple of Emerald crabs for my 40 gallon reef. Since it's January and now freezing, should I try and wait for spring, order through the mail or see if my LFS can get some in for me? I have just gotten over my daitom bloom and the cyano is also subsiding. But, unfortunately I had some bubble algea on a piece of live rock and knocked it over. And now I have it everywhere..... as in everywhere. Sigh. So, any suggestions would be welcome!:facepalm:

 

[Calappidae]

I'd go LFS. I don't understand why'd you want to pay shipping and risk a DOA versus picking them out in person knowing they're healthy.

 

[LadyG]

Well, I live in Nebraska, and not all that I want or need is available. I did find some at a LFS. They were on sale, so I picked up three. I only need 2 for my size tank, but I decided to err with caution since I have a LTA. And yes, he ate the little one the second day. The other 2 are big enough to get away from the LTA. RIP little guy. The crabs are doing a great job eating algae, and since I have a lot, they are going to be some well fed crabs.

 

[pcriv3833]

Baby Emerald crabs

Baby Emerald crabs

I decided to start using a filter sock on my overflow spout into the sump/refugium back in December. I have to switch out socks every 5-8 days and always drain the water and then invert them to get out any little critters I might have trapped in them. Good thing I did this today as I found what looks like a really tiny baby emerald crab. Kind of resembles a white or translucent wood tick. I only think it to be an emerald because a week ago I introduced a new emerald to my tank. Just two days ago my old one died. I'm guessing they spawned and then the one died(which seems to be pretty common of many species of creatures).
So what I need to know from more experienced reefers and invert specialists out there is....does this sound like case? Is this more than likely what happened? Thanks and happy fish gazing!

 

[LadyG]

Anyway of putting up a pic of the little guy?

 

[pcriv3833]

I'm afraid not. I let him loose in my refugium after getting him out of the sock.

 

[Calappidae]

Crabs usually don't successfully spawn in aquariums. Filteration usually destroys babies and usually wouldn't have the food in the water column for them to eat during their free swimming stage.

My bet is on a hitchhiking crab finding it's way down there.

 

[pcriv3833]

Thanks for that info. I'll have to keep an eye out for more of them. If I see more, possibly a successful breeding. If just the one, I got a hitchhiker on a recent coral purchase.

 

[Betta132]

It's probably a hitch-hiker. It's really difficult to intentionally breed emeralds, so I doubt it's something that can happen naturally.

 

[LadyG]

Nice hitchhiker. All I got was a bristleworm.

 

[LadyG]

Well, well, well.... Turned the lights down for the night, and found the big emerald crab snuggled under the side of my LTA. The same one that ate the little emerald crab. Oh, the irony of it all. LOL

 

[pcriv3833]

I don't doubt what you're saying. Though I didn't intentionally try to breed either. That's why I'm saying I'll keep my eyes open for more. More than likely your assumption will be the case. I had a micro brittle star appear out of nowhere recently too.

 

[LadyG]

LOL! I just found the baby emerald crab. He wasn't eaten. But he sure looked liked he was being lunch at the time. Seems they like to snuggle under the LTA at night.