The Trouble With Emeralds

I have bad luck with emeralds. Always have. Recently I tried again, I bought two and a week later, at least one is dead. Forms this is just plain strange. I never lose stuff when I add it to my tank. My fish and inverts are healthy and mortality is exceedingly rare.

Why do these guys buck the trend?

 

I've had the same experience ...first couple years I actually took one back because it got too big...but since I have the 90 gallon, they have either parished or are hanging out in the many caves I have here...doing their job I hope. : )

 

Emeralds are a little reclusive, they arent an out showing off wandering around like hermits. I've been the other side of the token and had one for almost a year now. I had 2 but for about a month now scouring the tank I only see 1, but for a couple weeks back in the past I didnt see either one, so might still be there.

 

I've pulled out the body of one of the two, so I know at least one is dead.

 

Emerald crabs are territorial, so if they are occupying the same area of the tank one will most likely kill the other. Survival of the fittest. I can only keep one in my 40 breeder.

 

I have two separate peninsulas and one was on each. I don't think they ever met each other.

 

are you sure you didnt pull out its molt?

 

From my experience they don't do well with higher than "low" phosphate levels. They also prefer softer macro algaes to eat, although they will also go after any other edible food scraps.

Pistol shrimp also don't like emeralds and will lay down an impressive snappin' on them if they get the chance.

 

Yep, that was my first thought, but no such luck.

 

I have undetectable phosphates and nitrates. Also about 9 alk, 450 cal, and 1400 mag. There is however some soft turf algae I would think would be ideal eating for them, and they seemed to go after it with gusto on the first day.

I do not believe I have a pistol, though they do hide well.