Hitckhiker ID Please!!!!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter re_vogel
- Start date
J
jdragunas
Guest
porcelain crabs are perfect companions for fish and inverts:
The Porcelain Crab is common throughout the tropical oceans of the world, and has a flat, round body with two large front claws. They are brown and orange in coloration with bright blue spots. These crabs have a pair of front arms called maxillipeds, which have ends that are feather-like in appearance. They use these appendages to filter the water for any passing food. They are peaceful and interesting invertebrates for the marine aquarium.
Porcelain Crabs live together in pairs typically found within or under rocks in nature. The ideal aquarium will contain plenty of live rock for both hiding and feeding, and will not contain any fish or invertebrates that may bring harm to these peaceful invertebrates. They are reef safe, and will not harm other invertebrates or corals.
The Porcelain Crab constantly filters the water for planktonic food, but will also scavenge for larger meaty portions. Offer the crab small bits of fish, shrimp or meaty food, as well as foods designed for filter feeders.
The Porcelain Crab is common throughout the tropical oceans of the world, and has a flat, round body with two large front claws. They are brown and orange in coloration with bright blue spots. These crabs have a pair of front arms called maxillipeds, which have ends that are feather-like in appearance. They use these appendages to filter the water for any passing food. They are peaceful and interesting invertebrates for the marine aquarium.
Porcelain Crabs live together in pairs typically found within or under rocks in nature. The ideal aquarium will contain plenty of live rock for both hiding and feeding, and will not contain any fish or invertebrates that may bring harm to these peaceful invertebrates. They are reef safe, and will not harm other invertebrates or corals.
The Porcelain Crab constantly filters the water for planktonic food, but will also scavenge for larger meaty portions. Offer the crab small bits of fish, shrimp or meaty food, as well as foods designed for filter feeders.
J
jdragunas
Guest
oops, i meant to post this yesterday, but i forgot... hehehe
The porcelain crab is not aggressive in the least bit... they actually can be picked on by fish! The emerald crab, however, is a different story. I've heard a lot of people say their emerald has never harmed another fish in the tank, and i've heard a lot of people say their emerald wrecked havock, and they had to remove it. Emeralds can be territorial, though, so as long as the other fish back off, you shouldn't have a problem.
In summary: Keep the porcelain (i actually want to get one of these guys!!!), and keep a close eye on the emerald. if you see it waiving it's claws at fish, or you see mysterious chunks missing from your fish, remove the emerald immediately.
The porcelain crab is not aggressive in the least bit... they actually can be picked on by fish! The emerald crab, however, is a different story. I've heard a lot of people say their emerald has never harmed another fish in the tank, and i've heard a lot of people say their emerald wrecked havock, and they had to remove it. Emeralds can be territorial, though, so as long as the other fish back off, you shouldn't have a problem.
In summary: Keep the porcelain (i actually want to get one of these guys!!!), and keep a close eye on the emerald. if you see it waiving it's claws at fish, or you see mysterious chunks missing from your fish, remove the emerald immediately.
J
jdragunas
Guest
it's very possible if you haven't even seen their whole bodies yet.
It could take them a while to get used to the environment.
During your cycle, make sure you do water changes to keep your ammonia at or below 0.5, or you'll most likely lose all of your hitchikers.
It could take them a while to get used to the environment.
During your cycle, make sure you do water changes to keep your ammonia at or below 0.5, or you'll most likely lose all of your hitchikers.
J
jdragunas
Guest
you could save your tests and just do it every 3 days.
fishmamma
Active Member
How far along in the cycle are you?
If both crabs are in the same rock maybe remove the rock and try a fresh water dip to evict them from their hiding spots? Might work and I don't think it would harm them providing you immediatly put them back into some tank water for closer inspection (and the pH and temp were adjusted first). Better ask a moderator or something about the fw dip before trying it if it appeals to you since I could be very wrong.
If both crabs are in the same rock maybe remove the rock and try a fresh water dip to evict them from their hiding spots? Might work and I don't think it would harm them providing you immediatly put them back into some tank water for closer inspection (and the pH and temp were adjusted first). Better ask a moderator or something about the fw dip before trying it if it appeals to you since I could be very wrong.
fishmamma
Active Member
Yeah, I am not too sure about the dip myself, just though I would throw it out there since these may be 'bad' hikers. It will probably take afew days for your levels to rise, but if they are getting somewhat high you could test every other day to ensure you don't miss a spike that could harm your critters. Was the rock-precured? (Sounds as though it was from previous posts) If it is cured you shouldn't get a huge cycle anyway.
milomlo
Active Member
Hey all I just found a crab in my tank. I have never seen him before. Mine sort of looks like the picture. That is the only view I got of him and now he has went further inside the rock. Since I have never seen him I venture to say he is only out when the lights are off.
Do emeralds move around during the day or at night?
Do emeralds move around during the day or at night?