Hermit crabs-Friend or foe

[tent boy]

I have some hermit crabs that sit on my zoanthids and seem to be munching on something. Is it eating dead material or the live part. Does it depend on the color of the crab whether it is bad or good?

 

[briangsxr1000]

I have been told red hermits will eat coral. I have not seen it personally though. I only have blue ones.

 

[Johnny C]

I have been told red hermits will eat coral. I have not seen it personally though. I only have blue ones.

Usually 'Scarlet Red' and 'Blue-Leg' Hermits are the reef-safe ones, where-as the all-black are not. Of course, this is a general statement.

Tent Boy- Keep an eye on the zoanthids and see if they start disappearing. Some pesky hermits can/will develop a taste for coral! :uzi:

 

[Piazzon12]

I would bet they are just eating the algae/detrius between polps, but keep an eye on it and see if they cause issues

 

[pisces4u]

Usually 'Scarlet Red' and 'Blue-Leg' Hermits are the reef-safe ones, where-as the all-black are not. Of course, this is a general statement.

Tent Boy- Keep an eye on the zoanthids and see if they start disappearing. Some pesky hermits can/will develop a taste for coral! :uzi:

+1

IME, scarlet/red hermits are a bit more mellow and slower growing (less snail murdering if there aren't enough empty homes). Some people go without hermits alltogether for the be peace of mind.