Oh No, I have crabs!!! Help!

mattnbecs · 04/21/2008, 11:06 PM

.... yes I am in the right forums, I am not talking about STDs ;D

So I obviously did not do a very good job with the 1.03sg live rock dip!! Three nights ago, whilst scouring the rock in the dark with my red headlight, I stumbled apon a little (1/2 inch accros) rock crab. Dark in color, "hairy" back, and pincers to boot. I had read about using a baited glass to remove a crab, but no lack in the last couple of nights.

As if that wasn't enough, last night, whist I was looking for the rock crab, I saw another crab. Again it was about 1/2inch in diameter, but this was was very fascinating. Cream in colour, fuzzy texture, and when it retracted its legs and pincers, it "became" part of the rock. I wish I had a smaller tank to dedicate to that one.

So after all that I now have three cups in the tank, with 1/3 of a shrimp in each, and all I have seen so far tonight, are a couple of bristle warms (great! :-( ) poking their heads in without actually going in.

Does anyone have any other ideas on how to get the little pests out??
Thanks
Matteo

PS: It is not all bad. The LR did bring some cool critters. I think will ask for ID help in another post

horwitzs · 04/22/2008, 05:52 AM

I just kept my eyes peeled and eventually the bad crabs moved to a spot I could get 'em with some long tweezers.
Happy hunting!

SSgtHabanero · 04/22/2008, 05:58 AM

I heard some where that if the claws were dark their bad. If their claws are light colored then vice versa. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I don't see a problem with the harmless ones unless they get to big and threaten other tank mates.

kzickovich · 04/22/2008, 06:09 AM

http://home2.pacific.net.ph/~sweetyu...itchcrabs.html

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/reefs/guami...dae/index.html

for id

Playa-1 · 04/22/2008, 06:43 AM

I hate when that happens

BeesGoneWild · 04/22/2008, 08:22 AM

I wouldnt worry about bristtle worms, they often get a bad rap. They are good detritus eaters and a good part of the cuc.

mattnbecs · 04/22/2008, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the hints. I caught the nicer of the two. As soon as I figure out where to post the pictures, I will ask for help in identifying it.

kayne_21 · 04/22/2008, 09:30 PM

I'm a fan of www.photobucket.com for posting pics. After you get your pics uploaded, gives you a pre-built link to copy and post the pics.

04/21/2008, 11:06 PM	#1
mattnbecs Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 142	Oh No, I have crabs!!! Help! .... yes I am in the right forums, I am not talking about STDs ;D So I obviously did not do a very good job with the 1.03sg live rock dip!! Three nights ago, whilst scouring the rock in the dark with my red headlight, I stumbled apon a little (1/2 inch accros) rock crab. Dark in color, "hairy" back, and pincers to boot. I had read about using a baited glass to remove a crab, but no lack in the last couple of nights. As if that wasn't enough, last night, whist I was looking for the rock crab, I saw another crab. Again it was about 1/2inch in diameter, but this was was very fascinating. Cream in colour, fuzzy texture, and when it retracted its legs and pincers, it "became" part of the rock. I wish I had a smaller tank to dedicate to that one. So after all that I now have three cups in the tank, with 1/3 of a shrimp in each, and all I have seen so far tonight, are a couple of bristle warms (great! :-( ) poking their heads in without actually going in. Does anyone have any other ideas on how to get the little pests out?? Thanks Matteo PS: It is not all bad. The LR did bring some cool critters. I think will ask for ID help in another post

04/22/2008, 05:52 AM	#2
horwitzs Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Kitsap Penninsula Posts: 470	I just kept my eyes peeled and eventually the bad crabs moved to a spot I could get 'em with some long tweezers. Happy hunting! __________________ -Seth Current Tank Info: 120g fresh, 150g salt.

04/22/2008, 06:09 AM	#4
kzickovich Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Zion Il Posts: 959	http://home2.pacific.net.ph/~sweetyu...itchcrabs.html http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/reefs/guami...dae/index.html for id __________________ Ken Current Tank Info: 90 Gal mixed reef 55 Gallon basement pump up Sump 25 Gal fuge 2 Mp40 DIY led light fixture Bubble King Mini 200 Gen2 skimmer BRS Duel reactor

04/22/2008, 05:58 AM	#3
SSgtHabanero Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VAFB, Ca Posts: 62	I heard some where that if the claws were dark their bad. If their claws are light colored then vice versa. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I don't see a problem with the harmless ones unless they get to big and threaten other tank mates.

04/22/2008, 06:43 AM	#5
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	I hate when that happens

04/22/2008, 08:22 AM	#6
BeesGoneWild Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: North Eastern Pennsylvannia Posts: 1,064	I wouldnt worry about bristtle worms, they often get a bad rap. They are good detritus eaters and a good part of the cuc.

04/22/2008, 08:42 PM	#7
mattnbecs Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 142	Thanks for the hints. I caught the nicer of the two. As soon as I figure out where to post the pictures, I will ask for help in identifying it.

04/22/2008, 09:30 PM	#8
kayne_21 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 209	I'm a fan of www.photobucket.com for posting pics. After you get your pics uploaded, gives you a pre-built link to copy and post the pics.