Killing hermits?

[Csister2002]

Hey guys,
I think I have a hitchicker of some sort (maybe a crab) that appears to be attempting to kill my hermits as I am finding all their shells have holes broken into them, what kind of animal would do that?

Thanks

[MadWorld]

Probably a Mantis shrimp (Smasher type).

[ajx22]

Mantis Shrimp (smasher) possibly. Do you hear loud clicking/popping sounds at night after lights-out? You can use a RED LED light (Dollar Store) to investigate your tank after lights-out; as few marine animals can see the red spectrum of light; thus don't even notice it. Do move the light beam SLOWLY though.

Lucky for you it's helping to eradicate your Hermit problem - lol - too bad it will also target your snails too.

Good luck and HTH ,

[Csister2002]

Hmmm, I never hear the clicking and the tanks right beside my bed so i doubt its a mantis, I have however noticed a few times noticed a red hair crab with black claws (small) with a flashlight (thanks for the red spectrum tip though that may make things easier) any idea what it may be.

And the hermits arnt a problem as I have stomatella as a majority appose to snails :D

[frankthetank]

I would have to say mantis too. They sound the same like snapping your fingers, See any new holes being dug out in the live rock? any rock debris around your live rock? I had the pleasure of getting 2 of these mantis shrimp in my first tank, lol !

[Csister2002]

I would have to say mantis too. They sound the same like snapping your fingers, See any new holes being dug out in the live rock? any rock debris around your live rock, does it look like there was some digging? I had the pleasure of getting 2 of these mantis shrimp in my first tank, lol !

Hmm maybe some extra rubble, but the thing is I have a pistol shrimp (in my main tank) so I know what the clicking sounds like, and I definitly havent heard it... hmm will pay close attention tonight

[Csister2002]

I found and caught the crab i thought was the culprit, any idea if it would be him, small (less then an inch) and red/furry... heres a pic i tried to get, such a cute little guy felt bad putting him in a bucket and pointing flashlights at him...

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j225/hippiecrew/Tank/IMG_0134.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j225/hippiecrew/Tank/IMG_0133.jpg

[ajx22]

No way this crab was breaking snail shells (what hermits live in). As mentioned - a smasher mantis is about the only animal that has that much power - other then the jaws of some puffers/triggers/parrotfish/etc.

[Csister2002]

Hmm, the hermit shells are broken with like perfect squares, and I found another hermit dead but with his shell missing, maybe some one is playing whose the stronger hermit? now that the crab is out i can focus on finding anything else.... What is the crab, should i put it back?

[ajx22]

Would need a clearer photo to accurately ID the crab before we could advise you.

It's certainly NOT another hermit either that's breaking the shells - though they are opportunistic feeders and will actively hunt and kill each other too. Part of the reason I advised ditching the hermits all together. They offer little to no benefit to the tank (lazy) - and unfortunately a proper clean up crew will require a number of various critters; as while Stomatella snails are great - they are only a small part of a successful CUC . You will also need to have Cerith/Astrea/Nassarius/etc. - as each one does a different duty and only when combined will you have a successful CUC .

HTH ,

[Csister2002]

my attempt at better pics, hes actually a really nice red..

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j225/hippiecrew/Tank/IMG_0143.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j225/hippiecrew/Tank/IMG_0141.jpg

[Csister2002]

DOes any one have an idea on what he is, I cant keep him in a bucket forever :P I might be able to throw him in the back of my biocube but then I wil never see him again

[Csister2002]

Okay safe for now :D grabbed a tupperware container and drilled some holes in it and am keeping it in the tank with a magnet (cleaner magnet) so the crabs in there. I figured the tupperware was food grade so It was safe... hopefully i can get an ID tommorow but for now im off to bed.

[Csister2002]

Can any one tell me if I can put him back in the tank without risking my fish, inverts, or corals :P

[MadWorld]

the guy is so small, i dont get how he could've done this... But he has sharp claws, and when he gets bigger he may cause some problems, so throw him in the sump.