Question on Emerald Crabs...

[BMorgan]

I've had mine now for 3 months or so...He came in super handy to clean up some bubble algae problems. The thing is...I think he's clipping some mushrooms off of the live rock. I don't know for sure but the crab is huge and somewhat aggressive. If I put my hand it thank he will actually put his arms out like he's saying. "You want a piece of me punk?!? (I wonder if those claws would actually pinch???)

Anyway, are emerald crabs really reef safe? I don't want him causing trouble when I start getting more corals in my tank.

[electromen]

Mine hasn't bothered any of my corals. He's just a wee lad though.

[Charlesr1958]

This is exactly why I do not allow any of the free ranging crabs in my system. I have had quite a few Mithrax crabs (cling crabs / emerald crabs) and once they get to of any size, they start finding meatier items to add to their menu. I say its "outta da pool!" time.

Chuck

[salty420]

i have 2 large emerald in my 29g and 2 large ones and one med one in my 37g and all are fine with my corals. i have a huge rock covered in shrooms in my 29 and the crabs live most of the time under the shrooms never bothering them. guess it's just the luck of the draw..?

[Grins]

I've seen a photo of an emerald taking a pinch out of a yellow tang and a few collaborating reports. Like many other marine species it tends to be one of those "reef safe'ish" types. Emphasis on the 'ish.

[Nolapete]

I've always been under the impression that when crabs get bigger they'll cause a problem and should be trapped and replaced with smaller versions.

[reavesinc]

I've heard many accounts of the larger ones pinching the soft corals. I'd put him into the fuge until you need him again.