Emerald Crabs, Reef Safe?!?!

[Lefty McWaterbox]

I'm relatively new to saltwater tanks although I've been a tank enthusiast for years. My waterbox 100.3 has been up and running for 4 months. I've been slowly adding coral and a few fish. All corals are doing well except my two Goni's. Water chem is good. I've noticed several of my emerald crabs (that were put in to help with algae after cycle and told they were reef safe) foraging around the Goni's. Last night I watched as one of the emerald crabs was slowly ripping bright green bits of the Goni and eating it! I removed the emerald crab that was feasting. There are several others in the tank. Do i need to remove those as well?
Is this known about the emeralds eating Goni's?

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

My very first emerald was a star citizen. Would only eat algae off rocks , sand , and corals. Kept all my frags really clean.

So, I decided to buy a few more . The ones I bought was males ( had big claws) . Not 1 minute into the tank and the new crab goes to town on my hammer. I hear they can eat soft corals.

I don’t have any emeralds now and will never again

 

[WV Reefer]

I'm relatively new to saltwater tanks although I've been a tank enthusiast for years. My waterbox 100.3 has been up and running for 4 months. I've been slowly adding coral and a few fish. All corals are doing well except my two Goni's. Water chem is good. I've noticed several of my emerald crabs (that were put in to help with algae after cycle and told they were reef safe) foraging around the Goni's. Last night I watched as one of the emerald crabs was slowly ripping bright green bits of the Goni and eating it! I removed the emerald crab that was feasting. There are several others in the tank. Do i need to remove those as well?
Is this known about the emeralds eating Goni's?

You can never trust a crab. Emeralds are safe for the most part but will try just about anything. If the algae is gone give them some food. I have a Mithrax Crab that comes and eats from my algae clip.

 

[Lefty McWaterbox]

Thanks! now i'll just have to get the other 3 out!

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

yep , removed all of mine after that. However my frags is not kept clean as before . Going to pick up more snails but nothing beats those claws for cleaning around frags and crevices.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Welcome to the reef. I loved mine but once they ran out of the bubble algea they starved. Could not get them to eat frozen but they never touched my coral. They look way cool to me.

 

[mattzang]

i recently got one after doing some research on here knowing they might not be super reef safe. i was careful and got a female. the 3rd day she was in the tank, i see my green nepthea is all closed up and there she is, hanging onto it and looking like she's eating it. so i was a little freaked, but maybe she was just cleaning it.

she has been in my tank for a few weeks now and nothing is worse for the wear and everything seems a little bit cleaner. so.. females might be the key? but even then, i'm sure if they get bored or hungry..

 

[Jose Mayo]

It's like raising a wolf in the yard; he behaves like a dog, while is well fed ...

Regards

 

[samnaz]

It really depends. I had one that was "reef safe" although he never ate algae, nor did he eat corals, I fed him meaty pellets every few days. They are opportunistic, and can/will eat a wide range of foods. When you add one to your tank you are taking a risk, there is always a chance they will develop a taste for coral.

Not sure who told you they are reef safe but in the future it's best to research on your own and come to your own conclusion, before purchasing. LFS unfortunately aren't always truthful.