Crab for Acropora- Has anyone introduced one?

[menac]

Hello,

So I purchased a green Acropora yesterday and after using the coral dip to clean off the piece it appears I accidentally killed the small acro crab that was within the acropora piece. I assume the crab was hosting the acro. What a shame. Felt bad after finding out some of these crabs may benefit the acropora.

I was doing some reading and hear that some of these small crabs associate themselves with specific types of acro they don't all host them

Has anyone ever introduced one of these small crabs to there acroporas and had success?

I was thinking about trying it but will not take the risk until i do a bit more research.
Thought I asked if anyone has tried introducing one.

Christian

 

[Aquadicted]

I've had nothing but good experiences with them. I think most are helpful for the corals as it removes detritus caught in it. But just to make sure you might want to look your crab up which ever one you get.

 

[piranhapat]

Some are good. But some are bad. Best thing look up what type of crab it was. Here is a link ....http://www.wetwebmedia.com/SWCrabIDF18.htm

 

[lrasser]

i have one that lives in a large acro colony i have. Been there over a year and is a model citizen
.

 

[Geraud]

I had one who came with an Acro, then moved to another one, really cool critter. Just look for its identity in order to make sure you are not introducing a predator. As far as I remember the shape of the claws is a tell-tale.

 

[menac]

I found one a few nights back cleaning off my acropora.
These guys must be good hiders because I did not see him upon inspecting the frag. I know one was lost.
He is beige Orange in color. Heres a pic you could barely make him out but you could see his claws at least.

 

[Geraud]

The ones that are known to be safe have a black stripe on their "face", like a mask. The one I had had that, the rest of the body was white to light pink in color.

 

[menac]

The ones that are known to be safe have a black stripe on their "face", like a mask. The one I had had that, the rest of the body was white to light pink in color.

That's exactly the one I have in the Acropora . He looks like zorro but with claws.

 

[BioMan]

That's exactly the one I have in the Acropora . He looks like zorro but with claws.

they are great because no matter what kind of flow you have in the tank these intricate designed acros need a little help from a little guy.

 

[piranhapat]

Was so mad when I saw my Melanurus Ate my little crab.

 

[vio]

I've had nothing good to say about them, they constant stress the colony, grab all the big food from Acro. Cyclops, Brine Shrimps etc. Never like it. :irked: