Coral / Acropora Crabs
Hi,
Just wondering how many of you have Acropora / Coral crabs. These guys are relatively small and live among the polys of Acropora/Pocillipora corals. I have 2 species in my tank, Trapezia cymodoce (red-dots coral crab) and Trapezia septata (honeycomb coral crab). I have found that both of these species do not harm the coral (from my observations) and provide a form of "big brother" protection. I have watched these little guys, move encroaching starfish away from "their" coral. Have also seen them move / nip at anemone tips when they get too close to "their" coral.
It might pay for you to have a close look at your Stylos, Acros and Pocillipora corals. You may just be lucky enough to have such a crab in your system. They tend to be deep within the coral branches and are not that easy to see.
Just wondering how many of you have Acropora / Coral crabs. These guys are relatively small and live among the polys of Acropora/Pocillipora corals. I have 2 species in my tank, Trapezia cymodoce (red-dots coral crab) and Trapezia septata (honeycomb coral crab). I have found that both of these species do not harm the coral (from my observations) and provide a form of "big brother" protection. I have watched these little guys, move encroaching starfish away from "their" coral. Have also seen them move / nip at anemone tips when they get too close to "their" coral.
It might pay for you to have a close look at your Stylos, Acros and Pocillipora corals. You may just be lucky enough to have such a crab in your system. They tend to be deep within the coral branches and are not that easy to see.