Mythrax Crab and Pocillopora

Jimm · 02-03-2006, 07:26 PM

I have a nice little Pocillopora sp. frag (damicornis, I think). Today I found my Emerald Mythrax Crab sitting among it's branches picking at the calcareous parts. Is this something I need to worry about? I didn't look like it was eating polyps. I'm keeping an eye on it.

***Rob*** · 02-03-2006, 07:48 PM

the emerald crab (Mythrax Crab) is known for eatign algae. specifically bubble algae.
i have gept them with out problems, but there have been reports of them eating/attacking fish, and knocking corals over.
i am not sure if it would actually "eat" at the coral. i would look closely at the spot of the coral, where it was, and try to see if there was any damage.

the emerald crab seems to be on that gets mixed reviews... some people have great luck, some.. not so great.
but from what i know the problems are more towards fish, than coral... but i would still be watchful, and leary

mopecula · 02-26-2006, 03:56 PM

I had a mythrax crab with my earlier tanks and it was not harming the corals or fish but I did trade him in because he was just getting really big and I became scared that he just might hurt a fish. But for all the time I had him he was a model citizen. JMHO

gwen_o_lyn · 02-27-2006, 04:55 PM

my emerald crab killed my feather duster, however, I seem to have some bubble algae that came on some new rock that I introduced so it looks like I will be getting another one soon.

Jimm · 02-27-2006, 09:01 PM

Everything was fine. The crab was just looking for algae to eat, didn't find any, and moved on.

**wwest** · 07-10-2006, 11:21 AM

does anyone know if decorative crabs eat bubble algae as well as the mythrax?

sorry go off the subject..

***Rob*** · 07-10-2006, 02:52 PM

as far as i know they will not... sorry...

gwen_o_lyn · 07-11-2006, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwen_o_lyn

my emerald crab killed my feather duster, however, I seem to have some bubble algae that came on some new rock that I introduced so it looks like I will be getting another one soon.

and to update this thread... my emerald is not eating the bubble.. arrrrgh!!

fat walrus · 07-11-2006, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwen_o_lyn

and to update this thread... my emerald is not eating the bubble.. arrrrgh!!

get a new one. that crab gotta earn his keep.

gwen_o_lyn · 07-11-2006, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fat walrus

get a new one. that crab gotta earn his keep.

he he, I'm starting to wonder if its a real emerald crab or just looks similar to one!

**wwest** · 07-11-2006, 12:28 AM

maybe hes on strike?

jk.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Just Kidding" class="inlineimg" /> no i am having the same problem with mine. mine took care of the hair algae but wont touch the little bubble algae im gettin on my sand bed. is it possible to have two in one tank?

gwen_o_lyn · 07-11-2006, 12:30 AM

I don't think that's a problem.

fat walrus · 07-11-2006, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwest

maybe hes on strike?

jk.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Just Kidding" class="inlineimg" /> no i am having the same problem with mine. mine took care of the hair algae but wont touch the little bubble algae im gettin on my sand bed. is it possible to have two in one tank?

you can have as many as you want as long as there is enough living space and food for them.