Where have all my green crabs gone?

[BummersReef]

So I know they molt and that whole thing and have seen some molts over the past couple months. But for at least a week now, we can't find any of our emerald crabs at all! I see one laying on the sand that sort of looks more like a crab than a molt but only just one. (I will pull him out and see if he's flesh or not)
But any thoughts on what might cause at least 5 emerald crabs to just ... disappear?? they used to be so active.
Tank is fine, all levels good (well .... phosphate a little bit high but not bad. 0.03 or a little higher)
everyone in there is fine, fish, anemone, corals, even the hermit crabbies ...
but what happened to my storm trooper emeralds?? dang, I liked them!!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Have you been feeding them? Thats a lot of competition for food.

 

[Paul B]

All my crabs disappear after them molt because the bristleworms eat them. Bristleworms are not as stupid as they look and easily find freshly molted crabs. It is what it is.

 

[BummersReef]

Have you been feeding them? Thats a lot of competition for food.

feed them what? I feed twice a day ... mysis shrimp, a good amount. Should I have fed them something special?

 

[BummersReef]

All my crabs disappear after them molt because the bristleworms eat them. Bristleworms are not as stupid as they look and easily find freshly molted crabs. It is what it is.

Bristle worm? ha! I just finished editing an article on how to make a DIY bristle worm trap. I saw a bristleworm, only a little one, months ago but haven't seen him since but I bet he's in there and getting big! maybe that's it! they go after them after a molt because ?? ... they don't have protection of the outside?

 

[Paul B]

They are all over the place and eat fish, crabs, T Bone steaks, pork chops and crabs