Crab Eating Coral?

[Sherri]

I was noticing that one of my SPS had white patches on it, so I took a closer look and saw a tiny crab looking like it was eating the coral. Anybody know what this crab is...Tried to pluck it off & couldn't get it...disappeared behind the coral. I'm sure he will be back - looks as tho he's picking on this particular coral. I'll try to get a pic...dunno if I can.

[NaCl_H2O]

What kind of coral? Is the crab staying put on the coral? If so, I would remove the coral and do an Iodine dip (Seachem Reef dip, 2x strength) and that little dude will probably jump out in the bucket.

[don-n-sa]

Yeah...and if that works Sherri I will take him...my mantis is hungry for a coral eating crab... :D

[CD]

I'll try to get a pic...dunno if I can.


Pic would be cool...would it happen to be one of those little acro crabs? Our two largest acro colonies both have the little acro crab in them, and they do a good job of maintaining the coral by keeping debris off.

W.

[jaded]

CD is definately on to something here... be sure that its not a good crab just trying to do its job!!! I have one thats helping to keep my pink birds nest thriving.

[GaryP]

I killed one of those a while back. Luxkilt Instar spotted it for me. It had wiped out a pretty good patch on my A. abrolhensis.

[Sherri]

No...it is eating the Montipora Confusa...there was a white patch he was sitting on when I noticed him...he was munching away...about 3-4 other white patches also. I tried both a turkey baster and forceps to get him with no luck. Welcome to the world of SPS, huh? 8) Will prob have to take the Confusa out to get it since it is staying on it.

[GaryP]

I just tore mine apart with a pair of hemostats. It was wedged into the branches of the abrolhensis.

[Sherri]

That's what I somewhat tried to do yesterday, but will do a better attempt today... :angry

thanks Gary...

[Sherri]

Got him with the hemostats!!!! :angry

[GaryP]

I love it when a plan comes together.