Shy Emerald Crab and Serpent Stars

Kbud · 03/23/2014, 07:58 AM

Hi everybody!

I have been having a bit of an algae problem in my tank. Therefore, I went to the fish store and learned that it was a problem with my photoperiod. It has been adjusted accordingly

. In addition, I decided to get a biological control for my hair algae: a small emerald crab. I also got a pink banded serpent star to rid my tank of the fish poop and detritus problems I have been having.

After acclimating the crab, upon putting it in the tank, it rolled up into a ball and then came out again, scrambling into the sand and pulling into itself so that it just looked like an empty shell plate. There, it remained. I later moved it to a spot that would be more favorable to the crab. It then hid there. This morning, it is alive but has not moved, except for occasionally waving its claws and moving its mouthparts. Is this normal for emerald crabs and should I be concerned? Will it come out on its own?

Has anyone else had experience with serpent stars. Have they helped with your detritus problem?

Thank you,

Kbud

Justletters7 · 03/23/2014, 08:33 PM

I am new to the hobby but I read a lot about emerald crabs and I have not heard of one acting like that before. From what I read they usually hide in the rock work.

Mael · 03/24/2014, 11:36 AM

Did you acclimate it from the store water it came in to your tank?

If there was a big enough difference in temp, alk, ph or some other parameter and he wasnt acclimated he could be going through a bit of shock. Mine was a tiny bit shy on Day one but is very Not shy now, he grabs the end of the turkey baster when Im spot feeding cause he is greedy.

Also possible he was beginning to Molt? Not sure if they hide while molting, Im pretty sure mine did.

Kbud · 03/24/2014, 08:06 PM

Hmmm... No, mine actually is starting to come out now. It still seems shy, but it is around and about. I did acclimate it. I don't know about molting, but if he did, that would be awesome!

Thank you!

Kbud

Kbud · 03/24/2014, 08:07 PM

That's probably what mine was and is doing. Thank you for the info, justletters!

Justletters7 · 03/25/2014, 05:50 PM

Thank you! Glad I was of some help.

03/23/2014, 07:58 AM	#1
Kbud Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 24	Shy Emerald Crab and Serpent Stars Hi everybody! I have been having a bit of an algae problem in my tank. Therefore, I went to the fish store and learned that it was a problem with my photoperiod. It has been adjusted accordingly. In addition, I decided to get a biological control for my hair algae: a small emerald crab. I also got a pink banded serpent star to rid my tank of the fish poop and detritus problems I have been having. After acclimating the crab, upon putting it in the tank, it rolled up into a ball and then came out again, scrambling into the sand and pulling into itself so that it just looked like an empty shell plate. There, it remained. I later moved it to a spot that would be more favorable to the crab. It then hid there. This morning, it is alive but has not moved, except for occasionally waving its claws and moving its mouthparts. Is this normal for emerald crabs and should I be concerned? Will it come out on its own? Has anyone else had experience with serpent stars. Have they helped with your detritus problem? Thank you, Kbud __________________ Love plants! Want to be horticulturist! 15 years old. Also keep freshwater fish - Marineland 12 gallon community, 1.5 g. betta tank. The avatar is of Zestie, my citron goby! Current Tank Info: JBJ nano cube 6 w/ 1x citron goby, 3x snails, 2x hermit crabs, 1x clove polyps, 2x zoas, 1x serpent star, 1x emerald crab, asterina stars.

03/24/2014, 08:06 PM	#4
Kbud Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 24	Hmmm... No, mine actually is starting to come out now. It still seems shy, but it is around and about. I did acclimate it. I don't know about molting, but if he did, that would be awesome! Thank you! Kbud __________________ Love plants! Want to be horticulturist! 15 years old. Also keep freshwater fish - Marineland 12 gallon community, 1.5 g. betta tank. The avatar is of Zestie, my citron goby! Current Tank Info: JBJ nano cube 6 w/ 1x citron goby, 3x snails, 2x hermit crabs, 1x clove polyps, 2x zoas, 1x serpent star, 1x emerald crab, asterina stars.

03/24/2014, 08:07 PM	#5
Kbud Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 24	That's probably what mine was and is doing. Thank you for the info, justletters! __________________ Love plants! Want to be horticulturist! 15 years old. Also keep freshwater fish - Marineland 12 gallon community, 1.5 g. betta tank. The avatar is of Zestie, my citron goby! Current Tank Info: JBJ nano cube 6 w/ 1x citron goby, 3x snails, 2x hermit crabs, 1x clove polyps, 2x zoas, 1x serpent star, 1x emerald crab, asterina stars.

03/23/2014, 08:33 PM	#2
Justletters7 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Illinois Posts: 102	I am new to the hobby but I read a lot about emerald crabs and I have not heard of one acting like that before. From what I read they usually hide in the rock work.

03/24/2014, 11:36 AM	#3
Mael Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,351	Did you acclimate it from the store water it came in to your tank? If there was a big enough difference in temp, alk, ph or some other parameter and he wasnt acclimated he could be going through a bit of shock. Mine was a tiny bit shy on Day one but is very Not shy now, he grabs the end of the turkey baster when Im spot feeding cause he is greedy. Also possible he was beginning to Molt? Not sure if they hide while molting, Im pretty sure mine did.

03/25/2014, 05:50 PM	#6
Justletters7 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Illinois Posts: 102	Thank you! Glad I was of some help.