Hollywood Stunner and Emerald crab GRRR

IanMauger · Apr 24, 2017

I have a Hollywood Stunner chalice coral which was rather big, was growing like a weed when this stupid emerald crab massacred the middle. I caught it doing it at night just sitting on the coral eating the flesh. So the crab is now gone, but the coral looks like hell, the remaining colors have darkened however some of the eyes still put out their sweeper tentacles. It was a beautiful piece prior to this. How resilient are these types of chalices? Should I just leave it alone since it was doing so well before?

CodyRVA · Apr 24, 2017

IanMauger said:
I have a Hollywood Stunner chalice coral which was rather big, was growing like a weed when this stupid emerald crab massacred the middle. I caught it doing it at night just sitting on the coral eating the flesh. So the crab is now gone, but the coral looks like hell, the remaining colors have darkened however some of the eyes still put out their sweeper tentacles. It was a beautiful piece prior to this. How resilient are these types of chalices? Should I just leave it alone since it was doing so well before?

I would try and frag a few pieces just to be safe. If it recovers then you have a few frags, if it all dies at least you tried. I've saved corals from frags as small as pencil tip erasers before, so it's definitely worth a go; at this point I can't imagine it would make the situation any worse.

Michael Cronmiller · Apr 25, 2017

Had the same thing happen, ruined my chalice....No more emeralds for me

IanMauger · Apr 25, 2017

Thanks guys. I pretty much think it's a goner. I'll try to frag what little pieces I think are viable but I am not going to hold out much hope.

I've had these crabs for a year and they never bothered corals, they always seemed to get enough food and never bothered a coral. Lesson learned I guess.