Larger Hermit Crab - fish killer?

[oz]

I had a large hermit crab in my display that was just tearing up things so I through him in my 30G cube about a month ago. Well we lost a couple clown fish, a small wrasse, and now a little red scooter blenny.

At first I thought it was a brittlestar so I put him in my fuge then found the HC eating the 2nd clown 1 morning and then a week later (this morning), he was eating the blenny.

The other fish that stay higher in the water column are healthy and doing fine.

You guys (and gals) had experiences with a large HC eating live fish?

 

[tebriel]

I believe hermit crabs to be opportunistic. It sounds like something else might be a factor. That's a lot for one hermit crab to eat. What are your params, how long has the tank been up, what's your feeding schedule?

 

[tanner86]

I have watched in my own tank a hermit crab attack my clown goby and viciously slaughter a conch. I stay away from all hermits if possible. This is just my own experience.

 

[flyingarmy]

Small hermits are fine..once they get into Mexican Turbo Snail shells.....its time to get'a step'n! Sump or fuge they go!