Not having much luck keeping arrow head crabs.

[Fisherman Joe]

Hi all.

Noticed some quite large bristle worms in my tank, nothing massive but a few >7-8cm ones. I figured an arrow head would keep them in check.

The first arrow head crab lasted a few weeks then disappeared. The second a few months but the same results.

I have all reed safe fish but some wrasse are getting large >8cm (>3 inch). I have solernesis wrasse, pink margin wrasse and a male peacock (blue star) wrasse.

Any tips? Or things to watch out for?

I also have two large cleaner (skunk) wrasse that are becoming surprisingly dominant too.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I think they only have a reputation for living ‘a few weeks to a few months’ in home aquariums, so your experiences may be in line with the norm. (If someone has had one last a year+, speak up.) Best wishes!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I assume you mean arrow crabs and they require GOOD acclimation. I had a pair over two pairs a few years ago

 

[Fisherman Joe]

I wouldn’t think there were issues with acclimatisation. Otherwise the effects would be immediate no?

I might try looking at getting a pair.

I wonder why they don’t last long.