Gorilla crab!

AandJ · Apr 23, 2018

Our live rock came from Tampa Bay Saltwater about a month ago (first shipment), and 2.5 weeks ago (second shipment) and like a dummy I just now saw that we have to remove the gorilla crabs and stone crabs. I'm pretty sure there's 2 gorilla crabs in there :-( One is close to an inch big already. How do I get them out or kill them?? I tried using a stick to crush one, but it runs down into crevices and holes in the rocks so quickly. Help please!!

Palyzoa · Apr 23, 2018

You can try a fish trap with food to lure them in. Do you have a picture of these guys?

AandJ · Apr 23, 2018

I don't have a picture. They are hairy looking just like the picture on the website though. What's a fish trap?

cracker · Apr 23, 2018

A fish trap is one of several differing desigms. that trap fish., works on other animals also.
Google DIY Fish trap Plenty of plans out there. Some very simple using a water bottle & fishing line. Simple Checkit out.

AandJ · Apr 23, 2018

Thanks!

AandJ · Apr 23, 2018

Ohhh, I just found one using a shot glass and bait. Looks super simple!

cracker · Apr 23, 2018

There You go. It's fun too !

lmm1967 · Apr 23, 2018

much more enjoyable and better overall biodiversity if you just put them in your sump. Feed them once or twice a week and let them live. They won't harm anything down there and they will be just fine.

The crabs I had from TBS were quite the characters - 2 of them would actually come running to the tongs because they knew that meant a free piece of shrimp or scallop.

AandJ · Apr 23, 2018

I would, except that unfortunately we don't have a sump. We have a biocube with the built in filters in the back. I don't think he could live in one of those compartments.

AandJ · Apr 23, 2018

Ok, so this morning I saw him in this little hole on a rock I could remove. Has down in that teeny tiny crack where the knife is pointing. I tried flushing him outlet with water, shaking him out, poking something down there. Nothing. Should I throw in a shrimp to lure him out? How long can the rock stay like this? It's about 3/4 covered with salt water.