Crabs and Clams

[JSB]

I have recently (5-6 days ago) added a T. Crocea to my tank, and placed it low on the rock where I could see it attaching.

This morning I found it a couple inches away on the sand, which did not concern me at first, but I noticed the byssal threads still attached to the rock, with a free and frayed end. In the same spot was an emerald crab, with a look of menace on his pinched little face.

Did the crab try to dislodge or do harm to my clam, or did the clam likely just let go in search of somewhere more appealing, and the crab came to inspect the vacancy? It has been a looong time since I had clams, so I am a little edgy.

 

[DOI]

It's possible the emerald bothered the clam. They pick at a lot of things. I had emeralds kill sps and lps corals in some of my tanks simply by grazing for food. They are great for algae but if there isn't any algae they get bored and desperate for food.

 

[skinz78]

I doubt that the crab was what made it move, probably just inspecting the threads.

 

[JSB]

Thanks. I'll see if I can find a better spot after a few days for it to settle in.

 

[JAMSOURY]

What crabs are safe to have with clams?