Hermit crab obsessed with gorgonian

Arsenix2001 · Apr 26, 2020

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 · Apr 26, 2020

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

Arsenix2001 · Apr 27, 2020

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

Tuan’s Reef · Apr 27, 2020

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 · Apr 27, 2020

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.