Emerald crabs... myth or magic?

[cr500_af]

OK, I've heard for years now that emerald crabs eat bubble algae... almost always, some of the time, most of the time, whatever.

I've had a little bubble algae in my DT before, and bought two emeralds (who never touched it). I've done sort of an informal poll among some friends who have tried them, and so far it is looking bad for the myth. I've yet to get a response that they in fact ate it.

Now I've got some on some rock in my frag tank, and I'd really rather not nuke this rock... I really can't, since there are a lot of acans growing on it.

So, considering that another adage is "there is no such thing as a TRULY reef safe crab", I'm thinking it would be a waste of $.

Have any of you had emeralds that actually, reliably ate bubble algae?

 

[lilrobb]

Nope

 

[hud3339]

The place we just did the group buy of the CUC swears there's eat it. They even put a guarantee on them,

 

[dawgface]

Never

 

[reeferj]

Started having a little bubble algae issue, added a couple emeralds... still have the bubble algae. Ive seen the crabs climb over the bubble algae to reach something else.

 

[cr500_af]

I am starting to see a trend here.

The only live animal I've seen eat it was a Foxface, and I know that was an exceptional case. Much like Rob's Scopas that eats bryopsis, or my Flame Angel that eats Asterina starfish from time to time.

hud3339;727121 wrote: The place we just did the group buy of the CUC swears there's eat it. They even put a guarantee on them,

That seems like a pretty safe move on their part... if it doesn't eat it, how many people are gonna ship a live crab back? The shipping would cost more than just forgetting about it.

 

[reeferj]

I catch my yellow tang picking at the algae every once in awhile. But when he sees me looking, he just stops. Im then left to wonder if he was really eating it or maybe that Im just hoping he was.

 

[cr500_af]

I had a naso in a 55g qt for a while, and I intentionally put rock with BA on it in there. He ignored it until it turned glass-clear from lack of light (about 5 weeks). It was still alive though, and he never touched it.

 

[the-bubonic-one]

reeferJ;727136 wrote: I catch my yellow tang picking at the algae every once in awhile. But when he sees me looking, he just stops. Im then left to wonder if he was really eating it or maybe that Im just hoping he was.

My sailfin does the same. He will eat bryopsis if I look at it. He's like a dog trying to please his master.

 

[schwaggs]

I have had some that did and had some that didn't. I think it is like everything else, if they can find other food they like better, they leave the bubble algae alone. If that is all there is, they eat it. I also think their bubble algae eating varies from individual to individual, like almost everything else.

 

[cbj25]

i have had results with multiple emeralds in a tupperware and setting pieces of rock with BA in there. not really to practical for the normal reef keeper but a little trick i used while working at lfs's

 

[ralph atl]

nope

 

[lear192]

I have one that eats it sometimes. I will have 2-4 bubbles and might take 6-7 days but then the next morning they are gone. Doesnt eat it all the time but he has alot to eat since he is the only Emerald Crab in my 325 Display.

 

[rdnelson]

Had a small outbreak of BA not long after getting my tank up and running. I got three emeralds. Two small one large. The two small ones wouldn't look at the stuff. The big one happened upon it one day and discoverred how much he liked it. It was fun to watch because he would pull so hard on it that when it broke free he would almost topple over backwords. He cleaned it up in nothing flat.

Now, several months latter, I have a bit that has returned. I don't know if he just hasn't gotten up that high on the rock or if he lost interest but he hasn't touched it.

So as to to the original question I would say it isn't a myth. It just isn't foolproof.

 

[jennm]

I've watched Emeralds eat bubble algae.

If I have a rock with bubble algae I'll put it in a tank with an Emerald or Emeralds, and it disappears.

I guess your mileage may vary but I've had good results.

Rabbitfishes will eat it too - if your tank is big enough, that's a good choice too.

Jenn

 

[stacy22]

I have had emeralds that ate bubble algae. I saw them.

 

[raz0945]

I have about 15 emeralds (6 tanks) and they eat a little bit of everything (including BA), they also keep my frag racks clean. I have had a problem with one, only because he has gotten so large (he pushes over coral), he now lives in the sump and helps keep the rock in it clean (I do give him a little extra food). I try to buy females they tend to stay small (if I'm wrong on this let me know-female small/males large with big arms).:unsure:

 

[darren24]

Never. Tried multiple times...

 

[tony_caliente]

Maybe they only eat it, if you watch them! LOL

Mine never touched the stuff.

JennM;727168 wrote: I've watched Emeralds eat bubble algae.

If I have a rock with bubble algae I'll put it in a tank with an Emerald or Emeralds, and it disappears.

I guess your mileage may vary but I've had good results.

Rabbitfishes will eat it too - if your tank is big enough, that's a good choice too.

Jenn

 

[jef4y]

I'm also in the "nope" crowd.

I've had emeralds in my tank & sump with mixed success. I will say that they are a hard crab to catch! Hermits, I have a few dozen in my display. I dig them and they behave.