Decorator Crab

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by ZachB, Nov 30, 2008.

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  1. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    Scored a neat little decorator crab at the LFS today. He's covered with orange sponge and has a small anemone on his back 8)

    Anyone have experience with these little crabs? The dude at the store said he should eat detritus and leftovers like other crabs - should be an interesting addition I think.
     
    ZachB, Nov 30, 2008
    ZachB, Nov 30, 2008
    #1

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  2. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

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    If I am not mistaken, they are not reef safe. This is off the top of my head. But I am pretty sure about it.
     
    PharmrJohn, Nov 30, 2008
    PharmrJohn, Nov 30, 2008
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  3. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    From what I was reading, they will simply take a small clipping of a coral / polyp colony and attach to their back, and then leave it alone.

    Saltwater aquarium crabs: Arrow , Emerald, Scarlet Hermit, Sallylightfoot, Blueleg, Porcelain, Decorator, Anemone, Horseshoe - Aquacon says they're safe .. so we'll see, maybe he'll have one of my zoas attached to him this week ;D
     
    ZachB, Nov 30, 2008
    ZachB, Nov 30, 2008
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  4. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I would say absolutely not reef safe....... For more reasons than just stealing a polyp here and there.
     
    missionsix, Nov 30, 2008
    missionsix, Nov 30, 2008
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  5. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    How so?
     
    ZachB, Nov 30, 2008
    ZachB, Nov 30, 2008
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  6. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Kinda like the "Johnny Appleseed" story. It can also plant corals in bad spots unknowingly. And/or grab a majano or aiptasia to plant it on the back and stress the pest anemones into seeding the water. I think they are definitley cool in someone elses tank or sump.
     
    missionsix, Nov 30, 2008
    missionsix, Nov 30, 2008
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  7. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    Gotcha - thanks!

    I'll see how he does in my tank... if he starts a ruckus, I'll pull him and get credit at the store. Otherwise, he's pretty neat to observe. It's an ecosystem 8)
     
    ZachB, Nov 30, 2008
    ZachB, Nov 30, 2008
    #7
  8. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Let's see some pics;).
     
    missionsix, Nov 30, 2008
    missionsix, Nov 30, 2008
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  9. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    I gotta pick up some batteries for my camera, meant to do that today but forgot. I'll get some pics on here tomorrow.
     
    ZachB, Nov 30, 2008
    ZachB, Nov 30, 2008
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  10. Av8Bluewater

    Av8Bluewater Giant Squid

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    They're really cool looking.
     
    Av8Bluewater, Nov 30, 2008
    Av8Bluewater, Nov 30, 2008
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