Decorator Crab

RothChyld

RothChyld

AC Members
Feb 16, 2003
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Tampa, FL
www.cboss.com
I have read that these are not reef safe yet by LFS has one in their tank and states they have had no problems. Does this just depend on the individuality of the crab? I do know they can break polyps off of mats, etc. to decorate themselves but I was hoping that would encourage propagation. Has anyone had any experience with these little guys?

Thanks in advance!

RothChyld
 
The LFS fish store down here keeps Chocolate Chip sea stars in the same aquarium as corals and snails, yet the LFS says it doesnt bother them, even when theres a empty turbo snail shell on the bottom. Chocolate chip starfish will eat anything they can catch or walk over, so are not reef safe even though the LFS said they are.
 
You've identified that major problem with decorators. They will damage corals and polyps, but you can monitor this--put it in quarantine, and give it 'stuff' to decorate itself with. They will use just about anything they can, not just rocks and such. If you cut up a plastic plant, it will happily use that, for example.

While there are some corals that will spread when cut, I would not deliberately encourage this to happen. If you want to play around with it, get a sharp knife or razor, and go for it. This way you can limit the damage, and encourage growth where you want it.
 
Thanks for the reply. I think I will keep an eye on him and see if he starts tearing things up. Worst case I guess he will fill his body up and then have to stop at some point! :D

For the previous post I am not sure where the chocolate chip star came in but I have had experience with those and I would not recommend them for a reef tank. I had one and even tho I fed it silversides on a regular basis he still loved to eat anenomies etc. They are a walking garbade disposal and I would not recommend them. I would go with Blue if you absolutely feel the need for a star.

RothChyld
 
On the topic of CC stars--a member of RC has one that is trained to climb to the surface and flip half it's body off to get a food pellet. It resides in his sump, and is his daughters pet. Pretty impressive display of learning from a critter with little brain!
 
I was watching some show last night about sea stars and they kept saying that they were impressively smart for having "no" brain.

They showed some huge star that could grow to the size of a man hole and had over 20 arms. The other stars scattered like crazy when it came by.

Very interesting show, but it was on KET so I doubt many if any of you saw it.
 
I seen that same show and it showed the 6" layer of brittle stars on the ground that literally moved at least 6" away from the other star as it crawled on. It was funny to watch because everything was getting out of its way. I forget what kind of star it was but yes it was huge!
 
The reason i used the CC was because the LFS down here says thier reef safe, just like your LFS said the Decorator crab would have no problems. Basically dont trust what your LFS says is safe or not because thier most often trying to get a sale, so its best to do actual research.
 
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