Porcelain Anemone Crabs Hosting BTA

[fandaga]

Hi all: I was wondering what people’s thoughts are on the benefits of porcelain anemone crabs to BTAs? Do you see the anemones having better color, less chance of movement, and less likely to split? Or do people find their crabs annoying their nems at all?

I have two BTAs and one porcelain anemone crab in my 46 gallon tank. The crab was hosting a RBTA in the back of my tank for a few months. I then purchased a CSB about 3 weeks ago that decided to settle under a rock. Fortunately, during the day it pops out front per the below video. Two days ago the crab decided to move to the CSB. Now it looks like the CSB is showing a bit more color and tips are more inflated.

Video of CSB:



CSB and crab:

RBTA (previous host):

 

[D-Nak]

I've had a couple of porcelain crabs in my carpet anemones and while they're fun to watch, I haven't noticed any huge benefits (or issues). It's safe to assume that the crabs eat and poop, and the anemones eat the waste (poop and any leftover food), but I think the nutrition gained is minimal, especially since porcelain crabs are filter feeders and have a low metabolism.

 

[fandaga]

Yeah, so far I haven’t been feeding the CSB since it’s been a little challenging under the rock. I’m hoping the crab helps with food.

Also I got another video of the crab in the center of the anemone just when the lunar lights went on. Definitely entertaining critters!

 

[jay1976]

They definitely help keep the anemones clean,have had one sorting two bta,so for over a year now and the nems have never looked better.

 

[bubbgee]

I placed my three of my nems in a glass suction cup (one for each) meant for air plants. I placed a porcelain crab in each and they never wandered around the tank since. The porcelain crab ensures it does not move and I've seen it clutch the nem when it wants to and keep it in place. It's an interesting solution to nems travelling.