Could an emerald crab have killed my blue mandarin?

[MarkEJS]

Hello. I added a rimless 133 gallon cleanup crew to my tank on Tuesday. Today, Saturday, one of my blue mandarins is dead. Looks like something took a chunk out of it. I think the only things I have in the tank that might have done that are the emerald crabs. What do you think? Should I remove the crabs to reduce risk to the remaining blue mandarin? Also, I just noticed that the description of the emerald crab notes that they may pick on corals. Would this be another reason to remove the emerald crabs?

Attached is pic of fish

Otherwise, I am enjoying the crew. Thanks, and have a great weekend!

Mark

 

[blaxsun]

Killed, not a chance. Taken a bite or two post-mortem, a definite possibility. It's also more than likely a different scavenger (hermit, fish) is reaponsible.

 

[Little c big D]

What @blaxsun said, and they have been known to go after zoas. It isn't always the case but is possible

 

[MarkEJS]

Thanks for the response! I did not know that hermit crabs could kill a blue mandarin. The vendors website says hermits are reef safe. There are a couple dozen hermits the tank. Should I try to remove them to reduce risk to remaining blue mandarin as well as other fish?

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

No

 

[Ly78]

Not kill, but opportunist feeders of the dead carcass.

 

[Little c big D]

Thanks for the response! I did not know that hermit crabs could kill a blue mandarin. The vendors website says hermits are reef safe. There are a couple dozen hermits the tank. Should I try to remove them to reduce risk to remaining blue mandarin as well as other fish?

He was implying it was more likely a hermit crab taking a bite after it was already dead

 

[MarkEJS]

The piece of flesh was taken from the fish prior to its death, it was “panting”, but not swimming, after it was injured.

In any case, I think I will leave the crabs in for now.

thanks to all for the feedback!