Gsp And Blue Legged Hermit Crabs

[justinp]

Being stubborn, I tried to add a few blue legged hermit crabs to my 40g GSP tank...And as you guys thought, he killed them all within hours. He is still fine with the mollies being in the tank with him, never seen any signs of him nipping them at all. And actually, the female molly gave birth and he doesnt even bother the little ones! Hopefully that will not change as he gets older. Right now he is around two inches...I dont know how old that would be? I was also wondering about any other types of larger aquatic crabs I could try with him...without putting him in danger of course...

 

[nmonks]

I think that's your problem. A big crab would simply view a small pufferfish as potential food. If it was me, I'd try something like a starfish or sea cucumber before another crustacean. Echinoderms taste pretty nasty (they contains saponins, basically soap), so most fish ignore them. They do need full seawater though, and whilst they are hardy, they will require more care than the average fish. But even echinoderms might be at risk; after all, puffers have evolved to eat invertebrates.

Small fish are probably the best bet as far as companions go. Mollies as you know, but also guppies, can be acclimated to seawater. It's possible that the pufferfish might simply eat a few of the fry but otherwise ignore them.

Cheers,

Neale

...without putting him in danger of course...

 

[justinp]

Is there a certain type of starfish you would recommend?

Also what SG do they need?

 

[nmonks]

None. Reading up, I don't think you can trust any large puffer with a starfish. While "dwarf" marine puffers (sharp-nose puffers) do OK with them, I'm guessing a GSP won't, given that Arothron spp. apparently eat starfish. You could try asking around in the marine forums and see what they say.

Starfish need full marine salinity; SG 1.022+.

Cheers,

Neale

Is there a certain type of starfish you would recommend?

 

[AMS]

Brackman,

I doubt any echinoderm would be safe with a puffer. I highly suggest skipping on a seastar for many reasons. For one it is probably not safe with the puffer, they are extremely sensitive to water chemistry and any very slight fluctuation in SG, pH, oxygen, and all other specs. Not to mention you would need an SG of at least 1.025, plus some type of nutrient export such as chaeto, and ample live rock for filtration and to find food.

Again, I suggest not risking any type of invert with a puffer, whether it be an echinoderm or crustacean. If you want tankmates stick with fish. Although marine inverts are very cool and interesting, they have no place with puffers. If you are looking for an intersting fish species, the Scorpion leaf Fish (Taenianotus triacanthus) would make an ideal choice with your GSP and current tank size. It's a very attractive looking species as well.