emerald crab picking on softy help

Hello All

check the video , i ciught my emerald crab picking on the sarcophyton coral , i wonder if he damages it or just picking on algae on its tissue...any suggestions ?

 

I would get him out. I Tried emeralds. Starting bothering my colt coral and every time I moved them they come right back. Looked like eating heads. So into sump they went

 

I think he is just eating microscopic algae and detritus and perhaps some of the mucous those coral produce. I have had emerald and shrimp to the same to the base of my Sarcophyton with no ill effects. Your coral looks other wise healthy.

 

Agreed. I've had a few emeralds over the years, and the only issue I've experienced was the more mature ones killed large featherdusters and chased fish. As for corals, they just did a great job of keeping them clean.

 

Thx all for revert appreciated , i have quite some bubble algae in my tank and that is the reason i brought that guy, so far he doesnt touch them

 

Unfortunately, that doesn't always work out like it was planned. Some emeralds act like it's a delicacy, and others won't touch it at all; it all depends on the individual crab. Hopefully he'll start on it soon, but you might want to start considering plan B -- manual removal.

 

that's right Mr.Bill worked with mine what a pain it was.