What makes crabs kill snails?

[jw1977]

My hermit crabs are killing all of my snails. I have plenty of empty shells lying around the tank. What does everyone do?

 

[meowzer]

I have very few hermits for that reason....maybe you have too many

 

[bang guy]

They are predators and snails are on the menu.

 

[monsinour]

I have one hermit in the sump and that is it. If my daughter didnt want the crab, he wouldnt be in there.

 

[spanko]

Crabs are evil.

 

[slice]

Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/380994/what-makes-crabs-kill-snails#post_3316848
Crabs are evil.

Sad, but true.
We have 2 emerald crabs; one demure female who has developed a taste for hair algae and one Monster male who has developed an appetite for nassarius snails.
We decided last night that he has to go. Pity, since we have enjoyed his personality quirks (aside from his eating habits).

 

[bang guy]

If you look at the main claws is there a red dot inside the "elbow"?

 

[slice]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bang Guy http:///forum/thread/380994/what-makes-crabs-kill-snails#post_3316931
If you look at the main claws is there a red dot inside the "elbow"?
If you are asking me about the emerald, yes, red in the "elbows" of his main claws.
This indicates something, I summize?
EDIT: I've researched several sources that say the red in the elbows indicates a true mithrax (emerald) crab, and when they get large, will eat whatever they wish, coral included...he gotta go...

 

[robertmathern]

If you ask him really nicly he will tell you and not show you that it is not just snails they eat

 

[slice]

Believe me, I've learned your lesson: big ugly crab + power cord = DO NOT ALLOW...EVER
Quote:
Originally Posted by robertmathern http:///forum/thread/380994/what-makes-crabs-kill-snails#post_3316937
If you ask him really nicly he will tell you and not show you that it is not just snails they eat

 

[robertmathern]

Just keep that in mind it is not just snails are there menu. Although this crab seems to be one of a kind (nothing will kill it) its eaten power chords it was in my sump the night I left the rodi running all night so it can survive fresh water. I took him out of the fresh water and tossed him in some salt water with acclimating him with no powerhead or heater or anything for a few days. That didnt bother him then I just picked him up and tossed him back in the sump so he went from 70 degree waters to 80 degree waters without a problem. I am strting to think the crab will out live me lol. But if he gets any bigger I might try a pot of boiling water and some butter. That might do the trick only time will tell.

 

[slice]

I just need to get rid of the crabs. I am about a month or so from my first coral frag and I DO NOT want any issues
with predation.

 

[flower]

I like hermit crabs, I don't care for snails, hermits clean the rocks and the algae off of my sea fan, and algae eater fish and an urchin take are of the algae on the rest. I have a few snails..they don't do much. I also like serpent stars instead of brittle stars. To each his own.