SPS care via acro crabs

[Lavey29]

I recently added several acro crabs to my tank who have settled in nicely in my SPS colonies. I know we all try to employ natural techniques in our systems which is why I was curious to try acro crabs. My colonies are dense and even with flow I'm sure detritus gets stuck in the branches hidden from view so I thought these little acro cleaners would be a good natural husbandry tool to try.

Has anyone else used them successfully long term? Have they ever gone rogue on a coral? They seem very active among the branches.

 

[mtraylor]

The only acro crabs I have ever had came in on wild caught colonies are maricultured pieces I bought back in the day. Some were really tidy and defended the coral from almost anything. Others would hide from things and not do much maintenance. I never seen them harm the the coral. They are fun to watch.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

I've never heard of acro crabs, would love to see photos!

 

[Lavey29]

I've never heard of acro crabs, would love to see photos!

It's hard to see mine because they are very concealed in the branches. They are small maybe 3/4th inch nice bright reddish orange color with typical crab shape and claws.

I know Google shows them clearly.

 

[Lavey29]

The only acro crabs I have ever had came in on wild caught colonies are maricultured pieces I bought back in the day. Some were really tidy and defended the coral from almost anything. Others would hide from things and not do much maintenance. I never seen them harm the the coral. They are fun to watch.

That's how I got my original one in the tank last year but never really saw him again after a period of time.

 

[Lavey29]

I've never heard of acro crabs, would love to see photos!

You can see one of them in the middle of the birds nest here.

 

[Gyarados]

My emerald crab sits on my acros at night and cleans them

 

[Lavey29]

My emerald crab sits on my acros at night and cleans them

Emeralds are cool too but just the females. The male ones go after coral here and there.

 

[Gyarados]

THB I don’t know whether the emerald crab is eating the polys of the acros or cleaning, but either way the colony doesn’t show signs of distress.

 

[penguinexdeus]

I recently added several acro crabs to my tank who have settled in nicely in my SPS colonies. I know we all try to employ natural techniques in our systems which is why I was curious to try acro crabs. My colonies are dense and even with flow I'm sure detritus gets stuck in the branches hidden from view so I thought these little acro cleaners would be a good natural husbandry tool to try.

Has anyone else used them successfully long term? Have they ever gone rogue on a coral? They seem very active among the branches.

where'd you get them from? I haven't found anywhere that seems to have them reliably... wanted to get a couple.

 

[Lavey29]

where'd you get them from? I haven't found anywhere that seems to have them reliably... wanted to get a couple.

Saltwaterfish.com. quick service and excellent packaging.

https://www.saltwaterfish.com/category-invertebrates_crabs

 

[dadnjesse]

Dr reef has them for sale.
https://drreefsquarantinedfish.com/product/acropora-crab-trapezia/

 

[jda]

Used to be really common with wild colonies.

They do a great job and are welcome in my tanks any time. They don't live too long, but they are cool while they are there... like 3 years in my case.

As for Emearald Crabs, I have never found them to be coral eaters if they are getting fed well. I have no doubt that they will eat corals if they are starving, but so would any one of us.