This can't be good...

[FishDad2]

Looked in the tank today and found that a hermit crab had somehow made its way inside my Trachyphyllia. I wish I'd taken a picture when it was more clearly visible earlier today, but I had work to do.

In any event, what should I do....allow things to run their course or take action?

If action, what do you recommend?

 

[Sk8r]

Likely the crab is molting, possibly ready to release young, and will leave in a week or so. I've had them perch in the darndest places and never damage a coral: their feet are very light, and they seem able to perch on the most fragile lps, even plate coral, and not hurt it.

 

[FishDad2]

Actually, it was inside the coral, as in swallowed...not perched or nestled on it.

Last night I came home and found the coral trying to expel the crab, shell and all. A small portion of the edge of the shell was protruding from the mouth of the coral so I reached in with my long handled grabber and was able to gently extract the shell from the coral...the hermit was DOA.

My main concern as that the hermit might tear at the insides of the coral in an attempt to escape from its prision...it was alive when I first discovered the situation...or that the shell itself might damage the inside of the coral. At least for now it appears to be recovering from the experience none the worse for wear, but only time will tell if damage was done.

 

[duec22]

I've seen a few pics of them eating snails that fall on them...but never a hermit. Brains are pretty tuff corals and I think it will be fine...maybe just give it week or so befor feeding again to make sure any internal damage is healed.