Crabs - Reef safe - Snail safe?

[suds1421]

I've been reading up on my CUC and I think some crabs would be a neat addition. I have read some people say to avoid hermits because they will kill your snails for their shells.

What crabs are reef and snail safe?

[sponger0]

Hermits can pick at zoas and they also can take the shells from snails. But the best solution to this is to keep your hermit numbers down, and leave extra shells in the tank and plenty for them to eat.

If you want a crab, my best suggestion is porcelain crabs

[Robb in Austin]

IMO/E, emerald crabs are the only reef/snail safe crabs.

[sponger0]

Originally Posted by Robb in Austin

IMO/E, emerald crabs are the only reef/snail safe crabs.

Your the only person Ive ever heard make that statement....well not unless they were a store owner

[Honks69]

Originally Posted by sponger0

Your the only person Ive ever heard make that statement....well not unless they were a store owner

I will second the reef safe emerald crab statement

Mine do nothing but pick at the live rock.

I have never seen them touch any of my corals

[Sugar Magnolia]

All crabs are opportunistic feeders. If you want hermits, the scarlett reef hermits have been the least destructive IME. Provide plenty of extra shells for them.

[Jocko]

Totally agree on the scarlet hermits. Those are the least troublesome. Watch out for those cute little blue leg ones. Those guys are terrors. I have maybe 4-5 scarlet legs in my 150. That's enough that you can see them here or there periodically and enjoy their antics, but not have them be annoying.

The porcelains are a great choice. Those guys are great. I've never bought them, but have had them as hitchhikers. They are primarily filter feeders and I've never seen them cause any trouble. Although I have seen them punch blue leg hermits that were pestering them. Heh.

I've heard opinions both ways on the emeralds. I have a red emerald that I've never seen cause trouble, but then again I don't watch him 24/7.

[thebkramer]

I agree with Sugar!!

I've had emeralds that looked like model citizens only to find out they were not so much Hermits have been the same sadly...

I now feel that the ONLY reef safe crabs are porcelains (there are many varieties) and Pom Pom Crabs (my fav!!) but they are delicate crabs.. so only keep them if you don't have tenants that will like them as a snack!

[yellowRubi]

I picked up 2 emeralds , next day i saw one pickin at my birdsnest... now they are leaving in my sump and i think they are happy!

[RtReef]

This is my opinion and my experience so don't scold me....

All hermits and emeralds are reef safe. The reason snails get killed are because they fall, flip and can't turn themselves over again.

The only snails in my tank that are alive from when originally put in are MARGARITA SNAILS. When they fall they can flip themselves upright again. Their shells are rounded unlike the cone type.
All my snails with cone shell are dead, 90% of my margarita snails are alive still.

[thebkramer]

Originally Posted by RtReef

This is my opinion and my experience so don't scold me....

All hermits and emeralds are reef safe. The reason snails get killed are because they fall, flip and can't turn themselves over again.

The only snails in my tank that are alive from when originally put in are MARGARITA SNAILS. When they fall they can flip themselves upright again. Their shells are rounded unlike the cone type.
All my snails with cone shell are dead, 90% of my margarita snails are alive still.

are you sure they are magaritas?? I ask because magaritas are from more cold water temps and usually don't survive very long in our aquariums anyhow.. maybe you've gotten a lucky batch!! lol as I have always lost magaritas to NOT being able to flip themselves and the others just didn't last too long (then I found out that they live in colder waters)
I will not scold! but they are not ALL reef safe sadly.. I agree that most of our snails get demolished because they commit their own sad suicide.. but like Sugar stated.. majority of crabs are opportunistic feeders.. when they see an opportunity for dinner.. they take it! You can have crabs for years without any intentional problems and then one day they may decide to do something that makes you hate them forever lol

[Sport507]

Originally Posted by RtReef

This is my opinion and my experience so don't scold me....

All hermits and emeralds are reef safe. The reason snails get killed are because they fall, flip and can't turn themselves over again.

The only snails in my tank that are alive from when originally put in are MARGARITA SNAILS. When they fall they can flip themselves upright again. Their shells are rounded unlike the cone type.
All my snails with cone shell are dead, 90% of my margarita snails are alive still.

Go to your Room! LOL

What snails are you talking about when you say "cone shells"?

[uncleof6]

Someone saw an Emerald Crab eating bubble algae, and told someone else that emeralds eat algae, and they told two persons, and so on and so on. This happens all too often. Emerald crabs, like all crabs, are omnivores--meaning they eat both plant and animal. As with all crabs, including ALL hermits, if they can catch it--they will eat it.

[sporto0]

Most Hermit Crabs will steal a shell from time to time, mostly from Nassarius snails, sometimes Cerith's & I've never seen a Turbo Snail lose it's shell to a crab, I tend to keep smaller Blue Leg & Red Leg Hermits. It's all about keeping a well choreographed collection, the herd thins itself out to a workable crew size. I do not reccomend any other omnivore hardshell crabs with the exception of the tiny Porcelain Crabs.