Hermit crab obsessed with gorgonian

[Arsenix2001]

I have a zebra hermit that for the last two days has perched himself on my purple gorgonian causing all of its polyps to retract. Been this way for 2 days, totally retracted all day. I even knocked him off and put him on the other side of the tank (i dont have a sump) polyps stated slowly coming out and an hour later he was back. Doesn't even appear to be doing anything, just sits there. is this going to damage my gorgonian, should I try to knock him off and just get rid of the hermit?

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

I would banish the hermit and your tone is going in that direction ;) Sounds like you found your trouble maker

 

[Arsenix2001]

I cant get the little #$*#$er off. Any ideas? How long can my Gorgonian stay retracted safely?

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

they should be easy enough to nab and remove....at least my blue legged and red legged is easy to me. They don't run and retract into their shell. i just grab the shell

 

[Nburg's Reef]

I have a few hermit that climb my gorgonian, but don't stay in there long. I think the gorg has learned to live with it and it stays open. If yours is not opening, I would try to catch him.