Killer crab?

Lee Aldo · Oct 3, 2023

So as I came down from my slumber this morning I find my cleaner shrimp may have been killed while molting. The likely suspect is my blue hermit crab as he was found munching on the poor fella.

Anyone experienced this before is it possible for a hermit to kill a cleaner shrimp??

Stealthreefer · Oct 3, 2023

I don't have hermit crabs in my tanks unless they are pets. The little red ones with the yellow faces are usually pretty cool but I have had larger crabs catch sleeping fish a couple times so I don't risk it.
Have I had a hermit kill my shrimp before? I can't remember but been doing this since the 90s so everything is a little cloudy in my memory. Would I be surprised if a hermit crab killed my shrimp? Nope, they are jerks.
If they have been housed together for a while and the shrimp had molted multiple times with no problem then I would have doubts.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Oct 3, 2023

hermit crabs move in slow motion, its almost impossible for them to catch anything unless its lying there almost dead.

I would not jump to hermit conclusion right away without knowing everything about your tank, age, water parameters, tank mates, etc...

Everyone blames hermits for everything since they are always eating the victim, but thats their job, doesn't mean they did the deed.

Buckster · Oct 3, 2023

Check the tank to make sure if the shrimp is present. I had one that molted and saw a crab at the molt and the shrimp was still hiding.

kevgib67 · Oct 3, 2023

^ what these two said.

Lee Aldo · Oct 3, 2023

Thanks for the replies guys!!
Parameters are all spot on and I have no fish at the mo as I’m going fallow from a velvet issue
Shrimp is usually fine and never any problems when molting.
Could velvet effect shrimp?

kevgib67 · Oct 3, 2023

Lee Aldo said:
Thanks for the replies guys!!
Parameters are all spot on and I have no fish at the mo as I’m going fallow from a velvet issue
Shrimp is usually fine and never any problems when molting.
Could velvet effect shrimp?

No, velvet won’t effect your shrimp. How long have you had your shrimp? They usually have a lifespan of 2-21/2 years. Mine consistently go to the great aquarium in the sky at about 1 1/2 years.