Should i try an emerald crab!?

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by Puffer Chick, Nov 12, 2009.

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  1. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

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    tonight i just noticed i have an outbrake of bubble algae, i don't know how big because the only way i noticed i even had the problem was when taking pics of my fish tonight.

    When researching the algae it seems like this crab is pretty much the only thing that eats it. I worry about this, i have snails and stuff as my clean up crew, i worry about it snatching my fish, my new firefish would be an easy target. And i hope to get corals soon so i don't want it going after corals.

    What is your experience with these? I guess if i do try it and it eats all the bubble algae i can always toss it in my puffers tank and it would be a nice snack. I just worry about my fish.
     
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  3. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    Yes
    emerald crabs are a feature in many peoples reef set ups and do not pose a problem for healthy fish

    Steve
     
  4. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

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    so they are ok with fish, i had been researching them and someone on some other forum was saying that it nippied at on of the clowns
     
  5. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    I have never had that experience with them personally Puffer chick,
    any that I had seemed to live in fear of any fish I had including clowns

    Steve
     
  6. DaDaAtlanta

    DaDaAtlanta Feather Star

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    Emeralds are scavengers and usually wont go after healthy fish. I have 2 in my 55 and they make a great addition. The only problem I did have was one of them ate some star polyps i had.
     
  7. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

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    ok that gives me some reasurance on the crabs
     
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  9. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

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    did they go after any other softies or inverts?
     
  10. DaDaAtlanta

    DaDaAtlanta Feather Star

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    Nope, didnt bother anything else. My snails and hermits are fine, just those brown star polyps. I have green stars now that i doesnt bother. Just eats whatever it can find and helps keep the rocks clean.
     
  11. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

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    ok i'll try to make it to the lfs this weekend to see if they have any and try it, i don't want this algae to get out of hand, i already have another algae that i'm dealing with, i don't need two
     
  12. CoralCrazy

    CoralCrazy Spaghetti Worm

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    I also have an emerald in my nano, very fun to watch when he isnt hiding and he hasnt messed with any of my corals. :)