Acropora Crabs, are they beneficial? Could they eat Red Bugs.....

[tmynice]

I have a 500 gal, heavy SPS system. Considering adding 4-5 Acropora Crabs. Anyone want to weigh in on if they are beneficial? Or even harmful? I do not have any large colonies, but I do have couple baseball size pieces. I like the way they look, and they would be fun.

Side note, I have never had red bugs, and It seems to simple, but I keep thinking there has to be a symbiotic predator for these buggers. Could the Crabs eat them?

 

[Reefer40b]

I personally like acro crabs, they are like my little acro buddies. not sure about the red bug thing though

 

[tmynice]

Thanks, do you see a benefit with them? or are they just fun to watch?

 

[tmynice]

I personally like acro crabs, they are like my little acro buddies. not sure about the red bug thing though

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tmynice
Member



Joined Feb 13, 2019 Messages 41 Reaction score 79






Thanks, do you see a benefit with them? or are they just fun to watch?

 

[Reefer40b]

Not sure they would really do much in a hobbyists tank compared to say the ocean, where they protect and defend the coral. They are just something to look at I guess

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Interesting question. I've always wanted an acro crab. Not sure about the red bugs though. #reefsquad

 

[jda]

They will keep their colony clean of debris and pests. I have never seen them leave their own colony, so you almost need one (or maybe even more) for each colony.

The AQ colonies with acro crabs are usually pest free except for the bases. People kill the crabs when they dip the corals.

 

[Waynerock]

The only reason I got one of my acros was because it had a crab in it. LFS did not even notice. It’s been In my tank for over a year and spends all day cleaning his house. Definitely a Symbiotic relationship