Emerald Crabs

[bladeruner143]

I was wondering if anyone has ever had them? Are they reef safe? Will they harm any of my shrimp or snails? Ive heard horror stories about them but I dont think I will be able to handle my bubble algae problem so I was thinking of getting one for it. Any advice, experience, comments are appreciated

 

[Cousteau1]

I have had them for many years and have not had any issues. They seem to hide for weeks on end, but I see them at night some times. The seem to just pick away at the rock and algae. They were recomended to my by the guy at the LFS for bubble algae as well.

 

[kevin95695]

I have two. No problem man.

 

[P.Kelly]

No problems here either. They do eat bubble algae. I've seen it in a few tanks, including one of mine and Aarons.

 

[funman1]

Mine have never harmed anything, but I have read posts where people blame them for fish deaths.

But I think there is no creature in our tanks that is truley "Reef Safe"
All animals will behave differently in each environment.

Just look at humans, most are sane, and non violent, but there are a few wackos; in the reef world these are animals deemed "safe", but for some reason they go on a rampage..

Your milage will vary.

 

[casalt]

and mantis shrimp love 'em! all 4 of 'em

 

[bkmorris]

i had one for a while. he never bothered any fish or corals. he was one of the many victims of the mantis.

most of the complaints i have heard about them are regarding picking at corals.

 

[Justin74]

I like your theory Steve
Although in both times keeping this animal I must be getting the murderers and serial killers
the first time I kept some a few years back I watched one eat a mushroom I had, the toxin musta been too much as I found him dead the next day, and no I didnt do it!!
The second time I had to remove one recently from my sps tank as it was scraping and stripping the flesh off some of my pocillopora and a stylo, hes in the fuge now:smokin:

moral; be aware and observant. IMO more trouble than a worthy algae eater, and with all crabs an opportunistic eater.

-Justin

 

[StunnaShadez]

Mines was a great algae eater. Especially hair algae. But after some molts, it was HUGE. I see my fish hang around its underhang where it lunges for them but never succeeds in catching any. I have seen it pick on coral polyps, mainly softies.

 

[MrMikeB]

I have had many of emerald crabs, love the little buggers. They are rather bold and are great entertainment. I have a video of one stretched on its very tips trying to reach the algae clip and fighting off the tangs solo. Think King Kong. They are a bit aggressive if they think there is food around/on/near a piece of coral, but overall I think their voracious appetite for algae is well worth the potential damage to coral.

 

[saltykelly]

I agree with Steve. Occasionally you get a bad apple. I've had both experiences with them. A couple that ate hair and bubble algae well, and one that would munch on my softies often. Just keep an eye out.

 

[bladeruner143]

Alright, thanks for the replies. I'm gonna try it out . . . look for my next thread entitled "That Dam Emerald Crab Ate Everything!!!"

 

[Tilmo2180]

No issues here. I have 2 I think, and would like a few more. They are cool to watch.

 

[Danyal]

i'm thinking of getting one, i'll let you guys know how it goes when i do. my red stripe legged hermit crab absolutely striped a 5lb rock that was simply covered in bubble algae in about a day, unfortunatly he also went for both my zoa frag and nassarius snail within 5min of them being added to the tank, he now lives with my goby and damsel.