Loosing my crabs [Archive]

ansonluna

Tue, 29th Mar 2005, 11:33 AM

I have been finding my hermits crabs dead lately in my main tank, but not in the fuge. It's very odd. I have a 125gal tank. Current inhabitants are a Moorish Idol, Dragon Goby, 2x Onyx Clowns, various snails, Blood red shrimp and Arrow crab. Is one of these guys taking them out?

ansonluna

Tue, 29th Mar 2005, 11:40 AM

Also, the one hermit crab that I lost was unidentified. I picked him up at Tex Trop. He was a light red color with white dots all over his body. He had blue eyes and his claws were kind of chubby and of equal size. What was he, I would like another?

Polkster13

Tue, 29th Mar 2005, 11:42 AM

Since you are not losing any in the fuge and only in the main system, I would lean towards something in the main tank taking them out. Possibly the arrow crab or shrimp. It is doubtful the fish that you have are doing it. You could also have an unknown hitchhiker that has made it into your system that is doing the damage. Check you system at night after the lights have been off for a while. Use a red or blue filter over a small flashlight and see if you can spot any wierdness going on.

ansonluna

Tue, 29th Mar 2005, 11:50 AM

It's weird. I used to have little hermits all over the tank and I just realized today that I only spot one or two now. I used to think I had to many and was wondering if I needed to get rid of a few. I know, I know, I should be keeping track of all inhabitants, but I've had my Idol in there for the last few days and I give him my 100% attention.

Any idea on IDing that one hermit?

GaryP

Tue, 29th Mar 2005, 11:58 AM

Arrow Crab Compatibility 10/03/04
Hello Crew, I was just wondering if I can add an arrow crab to my tank. The tank is a 30 gallon, with a Yellowtail damsel, Ocellaris Clownfish, and a Scooter Blenny. The dragonet eats vitamin enriched brine, mysis and small pieces of krill. I also have some hermit crabs, snails, and an anemone crab. No corals just yet but I'll be getting them soon. So will an arrow crab be compatible? Thanks for your time! <Arrow crabs, like most crabs are risky to snails and other smaller inverts. Larger specimens can even be a risk to fish. I would advise against it, but if you choose to try, do keep a careful eye on it. Best Regards. AdamC.>

That was from wetweb

ansonluna

Sun, 3rd Apr 2005, 01:44 AM

Uh, dumb question. Do hermits molt like shrimp or other crabs? If so, I just found out why I've been finding dead hermits.... :ph34r

Alamo

Sun, 3rd Apr 2005, 02:24 AM

LOL yes they do.... thought mine we dieing too when I saw the molts

GaryP

Sun, 3rd Apr 2005, 08:20 AM

All crustaceans molt - shrimp, crabs, lobsters, etc.

MikeP

Sun, 3rd Apr 2005, 10:49 AM

How large was the red and white spotted hermit? Sounds sort of like a Dardanus specie if its larger. Does it have hairs on its claws and legs?

ansonluna

Sun, 3rd Apr 2005, 11:42 AM

mathias

Sun, 3rd Apr 2005, 01:13 PM

LOL.......... sorry not laughing at you... Im laughing with you

NaCl_H2O

Sun, 3rd Apr 2005, 02:19 PM

...my poor arrow crab has been chilling in the fuge all by his lonesome.

And they can look so Innocent :skeezy

MikeP

Sun, 3rd Apr 2005, 07:38 PM

yeah i think it does....but he's not dead anymore. i knew i only had one, and i saw him roaming around yesterday. im such a dork....my poor arrow crab has been chilling in the fuge all by his lonesome.

Arrow crabs are voracious predators. As he gets larger prepare to lose all kinds of smaller crustaceans and even fish.