Sally Lightfoot Crabs in a Reef Tank

[carbuyersfriend]

I just two hours ago purchaed a pair (male and female) of Sally Lightfoots. My wife loves all the cleaner crew guys so thought she would like these. Well.....she does....however after consulting my marine invertebrates book I find these crabs are lible to eat my corals and my hermits and even some slow moving fish. I checked with a neighbor that has a reef tank and a Sally and he has not had any trouble. I have about 100 pounds of live rock in my tank, seven fish and numerous hermits and peppermint shrimp. Oh...also a cleaner shrimp and two turbo snails. Can anybody tell me if I should banish these two to my refug or are they ok in my main tank??

[bertoni]

They might start eating various animals, especially as they grow larger. I wouldn't take the risk, personally, but they might behave well, at least for a while.

[Dubbin1]

A buddy of mine has one in his full blown reef tank and has had zero problems.

BTW you REALLY should check this stuff BEFORE you buy ;)

[scottwhitson]

We had a sally in our tank he was fine for about six months and then devoured two fish. It took a while to figure out what happened to the first one but then we saw him grab the second. The fist was a lawnmower blenny and the other a firefish. I wouldn't buy one again.

[carbuyersfriend]

Thank you all. I was able to net the male and I did put him in the refug. Now I'll just wait for a chance to nab the female. I am setting up a 120 on the main floor of our home and will have a really large regug in the basement so....guess where these two will abide. And you are right Duddin1... read BEFORE the purchase not after!!!! I have punished myself already.

[cowboyswife]

When I was at a LFS this weekend, I saw one grab a mandarin and eat it.

[Allin14]

I have one in my tank right now, he's about med size and he's fine

[FloridaPride]

Will an Emerald Crab do the same thing, as far as eating things that you don't want them to eat?

[SgJsg35]

No an emerald will be fine they are mostly herbivorous.I have had them for over a year with no problems.They will scavenge if there isnt enough algae.

[carbuyersfriend]

Can't catch the female....any ideas about how to trap her ???

[bertoni]

Emeralds have been reported to catch and eat fish, especially as they grow, and other animals sooner. Lots of them behave well, though.

I have no idea about how to catch the female, other than the normal soda-bottle trap.

[carbuyersfriend]

Alls well...was able to net the female late last night...will go back to the LFS today for store credit!!! Next time I wll ask here first and read before buying !!! Thanks All

[bertoni]

Sounds good!