Emerald crabs aren't compatable with clams?

jigga w00t

jigga w00t

Member
A few days ago i bought an emerald crab for $5 since I've got a bit of bubble algae. Earlier today, I bought a beautiful 2" maxima for a great deal from a local wholesaler. (Don't worry my lights are fine)
A couple of hours ago, it occurred to me that the crab might not be completely safe. After tons of research, I've found a handful of clam enthusiasts have found their emerald crabs either picking at mantles, attacking or actively eating their maximas.
The emerald crab I got was pretty active at the store - avidly picking at rocks looking for food. I watched him earlier today - picking at the rocks like he did at the store. Walking around my xenias and other corals as if they were a nuisance and in his way. A short time ago I was able to locate the crab and catch him, now hes chillin like a villain.
I'm sure theres tons of reefers that have clams and crabs with no issues, but when there is a problem they post in the forums. No one ever posts "Everybody is getting along great!"
Has anyone had problems with emeralds and clams? I know you guys love maximas and I'll post a pic as soon as I can. But I just don't want some $5 crab eating my $40 maxima.
 
candycane

candycane

Active Member
No - Emerald crabs should not be housed with clams. I have had luck with doing it, only if I made sure that the Emerald crab was a female and not a male. You might get pinched but, on the belly of the crab is what's called a girdle. Males have an elongated one that looks like a pencil while females have a more oval shaped one usually with stripes. The females appear less aggressive, but I have still seen both male and female pick at clam mantles.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
Originally Posted by jigga w00t
http:///forum/post/3276668
Thanks for the quick reply. I don't have a sump to put the crab in. What to do... what to do...

Catch it and bring it back to your LFS. I'm on a hunt for my big male in my 155G at the moment. He's behaved so far, but if I catch him, he's banished to the sump.
This is a problem with most "reef safe" crabs. They'll all behave for the most part, but sooner or later, their true colors show.
 
jigga w00t

jigga w00t

Member
Ok, thanks for the help, guys.
Here's a pic of the little guy, about 2 inches. Light blue color and those orange stripes made him stand out from the others. I got the derasa about 11 months ago and it was the same size!

 
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