Emerald crab problem (1 Viewer)

[Jasonc]

Took a peak at the tank under the moonlights last night and noticed my emerald crab up on my tri-color valida. The crab was pulling individual polyps out of the branches and eating them. Needless to say I tried to snatch him out of the water without success (he's quick!).

Time for him to go...any suggestions for removing him without tearing things down?

 

[DustinB]

You can try putting a smooth glass cup or jar in the sand of next to a rock at an angle with some food at the bottom like a shrimp. The crab should slip in to get the food, but be unable to climb out.

 

[Jasonc]

I'll try that tonight. Thanks Dustin!

 

[TexanReef]

I had the same issue. My emerald was ripping the polyps out of my birdsnet. I managed to get him into the sump with a quick grab.

A few days later I noticed the polyps were all there. All he was doing was cleaning the coral, I suppose. I apologized and put him back in the main tank.

I'm not saying yours has not gone rogue, just telling a story.

 

[Jasonc]

Good point Texanreef but there is no doubt he has gone rogue as the polyps are gone and it looks like a little bit of flesh is missing from the end of each coralite that he worked on.

I saw him milling about yesterday evening so I tore off a 1"x1" piece of nori and waved it near him - poor guy attacked my hand trying to go for the nori. He must be really hungry as I have very little to no algae in the tank (thanks to his hard work). Since this is his first offense I think I am going to attempt feeding him every few days and see if I can pacify him that way before sending him off to the LFS.

If not - he will be traveling the slippery slope of the pint mug to jail!