killer hermits??

lolly1

lolly1

Member
About a month ago, I ordered an "assorted" group of 10 hermit crabs from SWF.com. Since their arrival, I have noticed my xenias ever so slowly becoming a thinner crowd. Along with these hermits, I also ordered the 3-pack of large feather dusters. Lately, their "feathers" seem to be thinning out. I know that they can lose their crowns if they are stressed, but could these hermits be the culprit of both of these incidences??? The only other creatures I have in there are my false percs, lawnmower blenny, astria snails, emerald crab, cleaner shrimp, and brittle stars. My readings have all been good and I have been keeping up with regular water changes. Any clues to solving these mysteries is appreciated!
 
lolly1

lolly1

Member
Originally Posted by Cdangel0
I blame the emerald crab.
Really?! He's been in there forever, though. Why would he suddenly start his rampage now?
 
judyk

judyk

Member
Emerald crabs have killed every featherduster I've had. I actually caught it in the act with the last one.
 
uberlink

uberlink

Active Member
I have never had a problem with any of my emerald crabs attacking feather dusters, but one did a number on an injured toadstool leather.
 
hatessushi

hatessushi

Active Member
I've never seen my emeralds attack anything other then the live rock. I have Xenia and Feather Dusters and nothing bothers them.
What are your tank parameters? like calcium, alk, pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates. what kind of lighting do you have?
 
joshradio

joshradio

Member
All inverts are oppertunistic feeders... and that means feeders of anything that's edible in your tank! If you are under-feeding (some people need to develop that problem) they can turn to their available resources... i.e. your crops! They have taken sleeping fish in my tanks, corals and definitely each other! make sure you get food to them too!

and emeralds are known to munch on xenia, even though it's said to taste bad to most aquatic critters, but in hunger, you'd eat what you could get!
 
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