just how safe is a spider decorator?

[krishj39]

hey guys, I picked up a spider decorator crab yesterday. Very cool looking animal, looks just like a tarantula. Ok, so I know that is about the farthest thing from cool to some of you, but I like spiders, and even kept some as pets (most notibly a black widow). So, this animal is right down my alley. But, I've been hearing very mixed opinions on their reef compatibility. I don't mind him picking stuff to put on his back, but I don't want him eating things. I recall reading that one of you had it eat your fox coral, what about the rest of you, what do i need to look out for? if it does start to munch away on my treasures, would he be ok in the refugium? or would that mess up the fuge? Anyway, all info and opinions welcome.

 

[joerdie]

i also think that they look cool. from what i hear (i dont own one) there is no rhyme or reasion to what they eat or put on their backs. i would watch very carefully if i where you.

 

[goldrush]

I really don't know enough about them to tell you what damage they may do in a reef setup. However,almost certainly they will eat pods and other critters that you NEED in your refugium.

 

[robchuck]

I have one in my FOWLR. When I first placed him in the tank, he started cutting up the tubes of my feather dusters to put on his back. I haven't had any problems since, probably because I keep him well fed. I'm going to start adding polyps and mushrooms soon, so we'll see what happens. They are definately interesting critters to watch though.

 

[reefer523]

Had one in my 65 gal reef. He tore everything up. He put my xenia, mushrooms, and what ever else he could pick up on his back. He picked at my toadstool leather also. had to get rid of it.
Good luck and watch it carefully

 

[sammystingray]

My opinion.......NOT REEF SAFE AT ALL.

 

[krishj39]

Thanks guys, i will defiitely keep a close watch on it. what about the idea of putting him in the refugium if things get out of control?

 

[califishdude]

this scrab sounds cool but i wouldnt want one in my reef. anyone got a pic of this crab i would love to see it.

 

[striker]

I've had one for three months. He cut some polyps and placed them on his back the day he was introduced. Since then he hasn't touched anything. I spot feed him, my two cleaners and two starfish once a week. Decorator has been one of my favorites since I bought him. Just keep it well fed and you should be ok.

 

[slothy]

here is apic of mine, he was doing great until i added some fox coral, then it all went down hill from there .. He started to eat it .. so he went byebye

 

[califishdude]

so this crab goes around and puts stuff on his back for protection so he can hide. he looks cool buti wouldnt want him. thank for the pic