Mithrax Crabs

[Heathd]

I purchased some mithrax crabs the other day because I thought they would be fun additions to the tank, along with some good bubble algae control. Well, the more I read, the more I see people talk about how they will get ahold of other tank inhabitants once they become larger.

Does anyone else see a problem with these guys being refugium inhabitants once I get my other tank setup? I figured I could give them some seaweed on a clip and they would be fine, along with eating any other crap that might be on the floor.

 

[Kevin8888]

Strictly speaking, all crabs will kill things when they get big (with a few acceptions) why would they eat poop and slime when they can cut up some softies or snag a passing fish? Crabs are "oportunistic" feeders, when young they are usualy content to sit around and eat algea, but that gets old fast and then they will take whatever food they can get. The other problem is as they get bigger the amount of energy they require from their food increases, and nothing has more packed energy then a good chunk of meat.

SO yes they are ok small, but when they get big they are problems, I would say you should be ok with him in a fuge, but I would say also throw some meaty foods (be that meaty pellets or chunks of shrimp/silversides) as well to ensure proper feeding.

 

[Heathd]

Strictly speaking, all crabs will kill things when they get big (with a few acceptions) why would they eat poop and slime when they can cut up some softies or snag a passing fish? Crabs are "oportunistic" feeders, when young they are usualy content to sit around and eat algea, but that gets old fast and then they will take whatever food they can get. The other problem is as they get bigger the amount of energy they require from their food increases, and nothing has more packed energy then a good chunk of meat.

SO yes they are ok small, but when they get big they are problems, I would say you should be ok with him in a fuge, but I would say also throw some meaty foods (be that meaty pellets or chunks of shrimp/silversides) as well to ensure proper feeding.

Thanks for the info. Ill be much happier with them in the sump to fight things out, since Quagmire (cleaner shrimp ) wont have to worry about getting hurt.