sand crabs

[DMBillies]

As a kid I always found these crabs in the sand at the beach. They seem like they would be perfect for stirring up a sand bed, as they are constantly burrowing into it. Have any of you ever put them in a reef tank? There is a link below to what I am talking about.

sand crabs

 

[Fishboy42]

I tried a few in my 55 "reef" about 10 years ago (I collected them at the beach), and they lasted several weeks; I suspect that they starved to death (I think it would be difficult to sustain them since they are filter-feeders with high energy demands) or needed something my tank didn't have. They would dig out of the sandbed, swim around the tank, and dig themselves back in--it was interesting to watch though.

Matt

 

[DMBillies]

blenny compatibility

blenny compatibility

I have a bicolor blenny that I enjoy having (and doesn't nip at any corals) and I was wondering how likely it is that he would fight with a lawnmower or sailfin blenny should I add one. I've heard that blennies aren't real friendly with conspecifics or "closely related forms," but I don't know what is considered closely related or similarly shaped.

 

[theop]

I would guess that the blennies would do ok together. The bicolor isn't really a substrate dweller like the other ones you mention. I don't have any personal experience with this - it's just a guess.

Those sand crabs are commonly known along the Atlantic/Gulf coast as "sand fleas" and are great bait, especially for sheepshead. They are sold live at some bait stores but are pretty easy to catch using a "sand flea rake".

 

[rcmike]

Oh, those are those things that wash up on the shore and immediately dig into the sand aren't they. I remember catching them as a kid while on vacation.

 

[dishray]

Blennys

Blennys

I've got a bicolor and a midas together in a 55 and they seem happy. In your 60 and soon to be 90 I'd say you should be ok.

 

[fishdoc11]

I (and most people in FL) call em sand fleas...they make great pompano and whiting bait. I have a sand flea rake if anyone is headed to the beach to catch some