The Mythrax crab, how reef friendly would you rate it?

[Macca]

We are often asked at Reef Critters how reef friendly certain inverts are. I often spend long times on the phone discussing my subjective opinion. So I have opened up a poll to get a more objective view. If possible please discuss your opinions.

Many thanks

James

[Macca]

Yep we have an objective view! there are low risk! :P

James

[Macca]

can no one else vote? :waiting:

[Paul P.]

I had one for 18 months in my tank with softies and lps and it didn`t touch either, in fact it liked to rest in a torch coral and clean the stems !
mine did a great job on valonia too

[Macca]

Thanks for the reply Paul. I think in General they are a low risk reef crab. But like any crab they are opportunist feeders. If they is unsufficent plant matter then they will look at alternative food sources. I have witnessed a large emerald mythrax crab scrapping a leather coral (like removing bark from a tree). Not sure if he was actually eating the flesh or the algae that had grown upon it. This was upsetting and I removed him quickly from my setup. Please note this was the only time I have witnessed a mythrax attack a soft coral but would not be surprissed to hear similar stories.

James

[Gillybaby]

I agree with the above although would add that I think size also has a bearing. Small ones are much more likely to go for algae and detritus, but when they get bigger so do their claws and appetites. I think so long as you are aware of what they can do and keep them properly fed, then they are pretty low risk.

[oakwell]

i have never had any problems with them so safe from me.....until i have any other reason to queation them

[Blue]

as above. I have sold hundereds of these, and not 1 has ever been reported back as being destructive.
regards chris :grin:

[Buster]

:Thinking: yep I am also able to conclude with all of the above. :-D

[Kev]

Safe. Great little guys, but I get cheesed off with them. Why?............You don't get to see that much of them.

Kev