bubble algae

[Texreefer]

I had a small amount on my rocks (20-30) bubbles scattered around.. when i put in my cleanup crew about 7 days ago. today there is not a single bubble to be found anywhere on the rock. NOTHING! I have heard many conflictiong stories about emerald crabs in the past and even had some before and they did not work... i have not seen my new ones since they went into the tank but apparently they are making the rounds. i wonder if the the ones with the really hairy legs are different than the ones without.. just curious

[GaryP]

The ones with hairy legs aren't an emerald crab. More likely something like a gorilla crab. Emerald crabs will eat small bubbles, but they are picky as to what species they will eat. There are something like seven species of bubble algae and I seem to recall seeing that they will eat about half of them.

[Texreefer]

interesting. these were sold by reeftopia as emerald crabs and look identical except for the hairy legs. i haven't heard of a gorilla crab before,, thanks for the info.. whatever they are i don't have any more bubble algae

[Texreefer]

ok saw some pics of gorilla crabs.. don't think thats it

[MarkLW]

if you find out would love to know as our nano has issues from time to time and our emeralds don't seem to be doing the job....