Should I worry?

[stephenm894]

These hermit crabs often times are on my coral I have another coral that they harass sometimes should I worry? Is this bad or normal?

 

[MnFish1]

1. I don't know of any way to prevent it (unless you remove them)
2. So - I would not be concerned - UNLESS you see damage - and then I would remove that crab.

Hope this helps

 

[BanjoBandito]

NO CRAB IS REEF SAFE. Period. I've learned the hard way MANY, MANY times.

 

[MnFish1]

NO CRAB IS REEF SAFE. Period. I've learned the hard way MANY, MANY times.

I wonder why they sell crabs as clean up crew..... at nearly every store? I personally have never seen a hermit crab cause any problem with 'a coral' (unless they were eating a dead portion) - which I guess I would consider beneficial?

 

[BanjoBandito]

I wonder why they sell crabs as clean up crew..... at nearly every store? I personally have never seen a hermit crab cause any problem with 'a coral' (unless they were eating a dead portion) - which I guess I would consider beneficial?

Once they get bigger, they'll eat softies in my experience. It's happened with almost every crab I've ever owned. Full disclosure - I love crabs. I think they are one of the "cooler" critters to have. They are weird, interesting and fun to show off, but unfortunately "CRAB GUNNA CRAB"...they are opportunistic feeders and will eat anything. A softie just sitting there seems irresistible.