Hemit and Emerald crab eating my new fish

Discussion in 'ASAP' started by cgarner, Jun 13, 2012.

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  1. cgarner

    cgarner Skunk Shrimp

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    Got a Royal Gamma today and after acclimating it I added it to my tank with the lights off. After 2 hours I turned the lights back on and found the Royal Gamma hiding in a cave. 2 hours later found it in it's cave being eaten by 2 hermit crabs and my Emerald crab. The Royal Gamma was breathing heavily and was to far gone to save. My question is: Did the crabs kill it or do you think it was weak and dieing so the crabs were eating it? It was still alive but couldn't swim when I found it.
     
    cgarner, Jun 13, 2012
    cgarner, Jun 13, 2012
    #1

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  2. jesmontb

    jesmontb Flamingo Tongue

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    usually hermits wont eat something that isnt dead already...at least in my experience, so you have yourself an aggressive hermit there, chances are the fish was too weak to move and so when the hermit found it, it couldnt move away.
     
    jesmontb, Jun 13, 2012
    jesmontb, Jun 13, 2012
    #2
  3. cgarner

    cgarner Skunk Shrimp

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    That is not good.
     
    cgarner, Jun 13, 2012
    cgarner, Jun 13, 2012
    #3
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Sorry for your loss...

    "Reef-safe" is only a generalization with crustaceans. They all have the potential and the ability to be opportunistic, and will do so without hesitation if they're hungry.
     
    Mr. Bill, Jun 13, 2012
    Mr. Bill, Jun 13, 2012
    #4
  5. cgarner

    cgarner Skunk Shrimp

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    Guess I need to feed more.
     
    cgarner, Jun 13, 2012
    cgarner, Jun 13, 2012
    #5
  6. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    depends, what and how much do you feed?
     
    Swisswiss, Jun 14, 2012
    Swisswiss, Jun 14, 2012
    #6

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  7. chumslickjon

    chumslickjon Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I've had emeralds catch and eat small fish. Maybe he caught it, started munching and the hermits joined in.
     
    chumslickjon, Jun 14, 2012
    chumslickjon, Jun 14, 2012
    #7
  8. grinder37

    grinder37 Whip-Lash Squid

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    Absolutely,it don't have to be dead if they're hungry,it just has to be slower than the crabs.lol

    Likely scenario,especially with a stressed new fish cowering in a hole in the rock=easy target for opportunistic critter(s).
     
    grinder37, Jun 14, 2012
    grinder37, Jun 14, 2012
    #8
  9. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    They would never have been able to get close to that fish if it were healthy. There is a chance the fish could have rebound and come back, but the fish was weak before it got jumped. If the fish was anywhere close to full health it would have never been crab food.

    Unless it's a BIG emerald! Even then, grammas are quick.
     
    Thatgrimguy, Jun 14, 2012
    Thatgrimguy, Jun 14, 2012
    #9
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  10. grinder37

    grinder37 Whip-Lash Squid

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    True on the gramma,but grammas when first introduced tend to hide in the rocks like many fish do till they're familiar with thier surroundings.So under the circumstances and making itself an easy catch,I can see that happening.

    But I also wouldn't rule out an unhealthy fish either,the crabs may have even picked up on that.Very likely possibility as well,but unfortunately,we'll never know now,lol.::) :)
     
    grinder37, Jun 14, 2012
    grinder37, Jun 14, 2012
    #10
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