I have had many over the years and only one was a problem. It killed 3 maxima clams over a single weekend. I found empty shells 3 mornings in a row. I had about 6-7 other emeralds at the time. I figure it was that "emerald" because it was the only one that seemed to go crazy during feeding time. Upon closer examination, the bad one had pointy pincer ends (for killing and tearing up prey) versus the plier-like, blunt claws (for grazing algae) of the others. It was also a grey/green color.
I tossed a piece of shrimp attached to a string and within 5 minutes, it attacked and I scooped it out with a net.
To be sure, I added a new "test" maxima and 5 years later, it is alive and well.
There are more than one species of Mithraculus. Check the pincers and get rid of it if they are pointy and needle-like.
I tossed a piece of shrimp attached to a string and within 5 minutes, it attacked and I scooped it out with a net.
To be sure, I added a new "test" maxima and 5 years later, it is alive and well.
There are more than one species of Mithraculus. Check the pincers and get rid of it if they are pointy and needle-like.