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Unusual Aiptasia Predator
(Mithrax sp.)? -- 06/18/11 Mithrax sculptus &
Stichodactyla haddoni/Emerald Crab Behavior 3/28/2011 Sebae Anemone And Emerald Crab
1/11/10 Emerald Crab Turned Decorator - 05/19/2006 Hello! I hope you don't mind me emailing you but you seem to know a lot about Emerald Crabs, and their like. So I was hoping you might have seen this before, or can start me down a path to finding out the answer. I have an Emerald Crab that has what appear to be sponges growing on it. Small white sponges, I can see their little hole. It is on the main body as well as the legs. I have been looking around for information on it, but this is the only site that I have seen that has any information on crab diseases. The crab is not dead, or seems to be dying, but I am curious about it, and if it might be detrimental to it in the future. <Would not worry too much about whatever these are. Once the crab molts, the critters will go with the molt.> Thank you so much for your time. <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)> James Condy and emerald?..... Nemo and Dory? Hi WWM. I have a question for you guys. Is there a connection between Condy anemones and emerald crabs? <Evidently so: http://www.tmbl.gu.se/pdf/TMBL_pdf/Library_and_databases_pdf/examensarbeten_pdf/Lisbeth20p.pdf > I introduced my Condy (since it was in a in-tank refugium) into the main part of my 55 reef and the emerald crab shot right to it. Always staying right by it like a clownfish with anemone. Perhaps it needs comfort? No predators in my tank. I don't know if you guys have heard of this relationship but it kinda seemed weird to me. This is not the first time this has happened to me. Different emeralds and different Condys. What are your thoughts? Keep up the good work. Teddy <Will try, am trying. Bob Fenner> Emerald Crab >I noticed a few weeks ago (~5) that my emerald crab's pinchers were missing. It seems to have lost them during one of its molts. My Sally lightfoot crab didn't lose it and it molts about 2-3 times a month. >>You have a mix of two different crabs, both known to become aggressive, are you certain they were lost *because* of the molt? It could very well be that the Sally Lightfoot (btw, there are at least two, if not three, other species of crab called "Sally Lightfoot"--ALL aggressive) managed to catch the emerald at its most vulnerable. With such a mix this must be expected. >It is still eating. It has learned to use it legs to get food. Will my emerald crab's pinchers ever grow back? >>Yes. >All the water parameters are zero and I add iodine to help with molting. >>All parameters, even pH, temperature? ;) >Also what would a likely cause be for the disappearance of my peppermint shrimps? I had 3 but they slowly disappear. >>Quite easily one of these crabs, or you could even have an unknown (and most unwelcome) guest in the form of a mantis shrimp. If you ever hear odd clicking noises from the tank (especially at night), you may have a mantis. These animals can decimate a tank. >I have 4 mid-sized pieces of live rock, 2 pink skunk clowns, 1 humbug damsel, and 1 Nemo. Any info would be greatly appreciated. >>There you have it, you have an aggressive (far too aggressive for peppermints) mix of inverts going on there, in my honest opinion. Marina Thanks Not a minute-man! (Emerald Crab) Hello, oh helpful ones: <Whassup, bubba?> So the other day, I see my Emerald Crab isn't moving. I figure, okay, I'll wait a day and see if he moves. Nothing. So, I finally take the poor guy out and say goodbye. <literally or figuratively on the "goodbye" part?> Then, I figure, while I have the gloves on, I'll move some of my LR around a little. Lo, and behold, my Crab moves from under a rock. A few questions, numerically, if I may: <rock on my brother...> 1. I guess he molted (this is a first for me)? <indeed... a molt of the exoskeleton. Conspicuous in some lazy arthropods that leave it lying around... rare with others that eat it promptly (for Chiton/protein recycling)> 2. Now I read that you're supposed to leave the molt in the tank. Is that true? <true for above reasons> 3. I already got rid of it. Is that bad? <no biggie> 4. Is 2 weeks considered fast? <fast?!?! 15 minutes is pretty good for most of us... 2 weeks (!), you are a god. Your poor wife/girlfriend.> 5. What would influence the speed of a molt? <diet, water changes and iodine for some/many> As always, thanks for all your help. Rich <no... thank you for giving our team a good name <G>. Best regards, Anthony> Emerald Crab Hello Bob, how are you today? <Bob should be doing wonderfully, he is diving in Cozumel. Anthony and I are holding down the proverbial fort for the week with Barb's help posting all our answers.> I bought a small emerald crab a couple weeks ago from the local fish store. He was missing one of his claws, due to a fight with one of the other crabs. They told me it would grow back quickly, <Back yes, but quickly no.> but after 2 weeks, I don't really notice anything growing yet (it is hard to tell, but there may be a stub starting to grow). I thought I'd ask you, since I know you all have lots of experience with marine life. Will the claw grow back, and about how long should it take? <Yes over the course of several molts. How often he grows and molts depends on your water quality and feeding.> Thanks much, Kevin D <You are welcome. -Steven Pro> |
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