My new Crab!!!!
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Invertebrates
Forum Description: This is the place to ask questions about invertebrates.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=34385
Printed Date: July 28 2025 at 3:48pm Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: My new Crab!!!!
Posted By: boadyboom
Subject: My new Crab!!!!
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 4:47pm
Anyone else have any of these? Just want to try and get more info on them.....
......From the web......
This Hermit Crab requires a very specific environment, preferably a
refugium or biotope without other corals or anemones. The crab inhabits
a multi- branched shell, with each branch covered with bryozoans and/or
hydroids that would be damaged/stung by other corals or anemones. It’s
overall appearance is that of a small Acropora coral. The crab will
scavenge algae or kelp, while the bryozoans and hydroids will require
microplankton as do other filter feeding animals. Either live or
prepared microplankton can be fed. While normally found on the reef
fringe, the Staghorn’s unusual shell may make it difficult for the crab
to right itself if it falls over.

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Replies:
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 5:35pm
He is COOL! What type is he?
Mike
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Posted By: boadyboom
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 7:51pm
They are called staghorn crabs. This one was the most symmetrical they had, the others have some pretty wild and crazy coral on them. Its actually a living coral they live in.
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Posted By: Goonter
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 8:26pm
from what i have read on these is that they are not reef safe, FYI, not sure why.... but that is why i haven't tried one
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Posted By: Cameron
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 8:51pm
javascript:popupWindow%28/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=2,%20200,%20500,%20400,%20100%29 - Difficult | javascript:popupWindow%28/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=3,%20200,%20500,%20400,%20100%29 - Peaceful | javascript:popupWindow%28/product/refinement_definition.cfm?rid=4,%20200,%20500,%20400,%20100%29 - With Caution |
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Posted By: boadyboom
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 10:29pm
They just told me that they can eat polyps if they're basically starved, and if the coral on their back can get stung by other corals and die off, eventually killing the crab
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Posted By: Cameron
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 10:41pm
The Staghorn Hermit Crab lives in a branching shell that is covered with hydroids and bryozoans. The crab itself is a hardy companion for the aquarium, but the shell that it resides in requires specialized care. This shell has multiple branches that resemble the branching SPS coral Acropora. Because of its shell, this crab may not be able to right itself if it were to fall on its back, and will be stung and damaged by corals and anemones in the reef aquarium. Staghorn hermits are best kept in a biotope system with other filter feeding invertebrates, or in a refugium where the hydroids and bryozoans on its shell can be fed properly with types of live or prepared plankton foods. The biotope system or refugium is an ideal location due to the fact the shell must not come in contact with stinging corals and anemones. The crab itself will graze on algae, and if there is an insufficient supply to eat, supplement the diet with offerings of dried seaweed.
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Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: July 25 2009 at 12:18am
Cool. Thanks.
Mike
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Posted By: Chad
Date Posted: July 25 2009 at 1:46am
They are very cool. But very difficult to keep happy.
------------- What?! You pooped in the refrigerator, and ate the entire wheel of cheese?! I'm not even mad.... That's actually amazing!
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Posted By: jpiotrowski
Date Posted: July 25 2009 at 10:23am
Y'up, I tried one years back. Very cool and active. The crab died relatively quickly, a couple weeks I think, but the coral shell lived for a few months. I had mine in the display tank and had a very healthy, pod rich large refugium supplying the main tank.
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