Arrow Crabs = Murderers???

[jrnannery]

Are arrow crabs known to be predators? I lost my little yellow clown goby one morning...he was really skinny, and I finally got him to start eating and was happy. When I woke up on the morning in question, he was in two pieces in the claws of my arrow. I assumed the arrow was just cleaning up the mess, and went about my business.

Today, I bought a very small sailfin tang. He exhibited amazing character, and was an immediate favorite, even with my wife...figure that one out. Well, I came home from Wally world with some water for top-off, and lo and behold, the arrow was feasting on my little baby tang.

What are the chances that the sailfin met his demise in some other way, meer hours after purchase, with no sign of distress? I have an anemone, rather large, and a Black Damsel, juvenile, among other animals I would consider less aggressive, or poisonous.

Richard

PS What eats Arrow Crabs? I may need to know! :angry

[Jeff]

triggers-just get rid of the crab.

[ClownReef®]

They are not predators, just opportunistic like other crabs.

[Brett Wilson]

Another vote for 'opportunistic'

In regards to an arrow having the opportunity to catch a tang; only if the tang was lying on it's side because of shock or other death.

[captexas]

Yeah, I'd want to know what else do you have in the tank? There is probably something else going on that is killing the fish and the arrow crab is doing what it is supposed to do, clean up the tank.

[ClownReef®]

Yeah, I'd want to know what else do you have in the tank? There is probably something else going on that is killing the fish and the arrow crab is doing what it is supposed to do, clean up the tank.

Yep. Just like many other crabs..they are scavengers.

[mathias]

or you hear any pops? around your tank.... a evil pistol shrimp? or a mantis?

my mantis tank is always popping...

[urban79]

When the last time you check your water.

[Brett Wilson]

Did someone say.... MURDER!!!?????
http://boingboing.net/images/dramatichipmunk.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1Y73sPHKxw

[urban79]

Did someone say.... MURDER!!!?????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1Y73sPHKxw


LOL :lol :lol

[jrnannery]

As follows:
1 Blue Regal, 2"
1 Black Damsel, 1", aggressive
Another type of damsel, proven aggressive
2 Green Chromis, 1 1/2", curious
1 Diamond Spot Goby
1 Lawnmower Blenny
1pr Percula Clowns
1 Green Bar Goby, miniscule
1 Anemone, Huge
1 Bubble tip anemone, small
Pink hammer Euphylia
Grape Euphylia
Rock Boring Urchin
Tuxedo Urchin
Cleaner Shrimp
TONS of Bristle worms
Snails
Blue-Leg Hermits

Ok, I know what you're gonna say, but I watched those two damsels and the sailfin...the damsels would flair and swim with him, but the sailfin was having NONE of their...crud! He acted like he didn't care about them at all, and pretty quick, they left the sailfin alone too. The Regal hid, the cleaner did...shrimp stuff. The chromis were curious, but not threatening, etc. No big deal, I thought.

I would be completely amazed if I had a pistol or mantis in that tank. Shocked would be more like it. Oh well, I am just going to have to keep that arrow seperated from my little fishes. And the big anemone is going bye-bye anyway. Thanks for the help, fellas.

Richard

[deepblue]

sounds like a week fish.

[Flushdraw]

Most "reef safe" crabs can and do catch fish if they're large enough. I had
a healthy flame angel in the claws of my emerald crab one morning. Most
people I talked to said it was probably already dead when the crab got hold of it. After doing some research, I think it was the crab. BTW, this
is the same crab I saw eat my entire colony of Zoas. I target feed my emerald now ;)

Flushdraw