Red Legged Hermit Crabs Coral Safe?

[talh]

I have about 10 red legged hermits. I just got some new frags and the hermits climb all over them. Everywhere I look says they're reef compatible, but I'm not so sure. The coral close up and seem annoyed with a shelled invert on top of them.

Thoughts? Experience?

 

[melypr1985]

Hermits will often go to new frags to eat any algae or other food they bring in with them. It can annoy corals but the hermits will only eat the coral itself if it's dying. I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[ncaldwell]

Id worry if they were still on them in the morning, they should clean it up and move on