Emerald crabs

[Iceburg98]

Hello everyone.

I was just contemplating getting an emerald crab for my nano to help my cleanup crew. I've heard that as they get bigger they can get aggressive, and even the guy at my LFS said that they are "opportunistic"... i.e. if there's not enough algae for them to eat, they'll find something else to eat...

I was just wondering how many people keep emeralds in their nanos and if they've ever had any problems with them.

I know that a lot of places sell them in "clean-up crew packages", and a lot of places sell them for exactly that purpose...

Also, would there be any compatability issues with an emerald and any other crabs/shirimps/etc....

 

[mikeguerrero]

I added one to my 12 gallon JBJ cube with all the reservations you have. And you know what, he's doing fine. Eats only algae, but you know what, I have tons of algae in my tank for him to keep busy. Make sure you have enough algae to keep him busy.

Mike

I've had mine over 1 month....

 

[Krystin]

I have a small emerald and so far it's ok. However, it never comes out, I can just barely see it when I look into holes in the rock. I guess it will get enough to eat if it gets all of the hidden crevices inside. I've been wondering how I'll get him out if I need to get rid of him. I also wonder if he'll keep getting bigger and bigger until he's too big to come out of the rock! This probably doesn't help you any, but hey, that's all the info I have on emeralds!
~Krystin :daisy:

 

[Physh1]

Small ones have been great for me and when they get larger I try to make sure I get some food to them periodically....keeps their opportunistic nature under control as much as you can.

Cameron

 

[shaggydoo541]

Mine has been awesome... the only complaint I have with mine is that it eats some of my coraline algae. But I have enough LR that it really doesn't make a noticeable impact. I had a bubble algae problem and it knocked it out in a couple days. I also find him very enjoyable to watch.