I Need Help!

[x-Twinkle-x]

I recently bought a small tropical crab, being told that he would be fine in my 5gal with my male betta. Well, when I added him to the tank, they seemed ok, but I am now becoming increasingly worried because the crab stretches out his little pincers slowly everytime the betta swims past, and I don't want him to be eaten!
I have 5 choices..
1. Leave them (not too keen on this)
2. Take the crab back (Don't want to do this either)
3. Move him to my 8gal, housing 1 male betta and 1 dwarf frog
4. Move him to my 100litre community tank
5. Move him to my cichlid tank (no exact measurements but is very big!)

What should I do?

Luv Twinkle oxox

 

[Tommy Gunnz]

Twinkle,

I think you are right, your crab is most likely trying to catch your betta fish and may make a nice meal out of him if he is successful.

I would definately NOT keep him in a tank with your frog or any other tank that holds bottom dwelling fish like loaches or a pleco (although a pleco may be 'armored' enough to handle some harassment from it).

I would also be a little worried about cichlids with your crab becuase they are territorial in many cases and may go after the crab as it is moving around your tank, not realizing that it is able to latch on to them. Same with any curious type community fish or slow moving fish that are often near the bottom of your tank.

I hope that you are keeping a right lid on your tank though since I have heard a lot of stories of people finding their crabs halfway down their hallway. They can escape if your not careful!

 

[x-Twinkle-x]

Thanks for your reply Tommy!

Ok, so keeping him in my 8gal, community tank and cichlid tank is not a good idea..
That only leaves me with buying him a new tank tomorrow and probably another crab as company! That way nobody should get eaten! (I'm hoping lol)

And don't worry about the lid.. I've got that all sorted! Thanks! Because if crabby escaped then..


Lol thanks again!

Luv Twinkle oxox

 

[catxx]

crabs eat whatever they can catch, no matter what your LFS says, i don't think crabs make good for a good community.
if it has claws it's not fish friendly!

and most crabs are not fully aquatic and appreciate somewhere to get out of the water, hence stories of them escaping!

i'm pretty sure some crabs are territorial too, so getting another crab friend may not be the best idea, especially if they're in a small tank together.

 

[OohFeeshy]

It would be for the best to get him another tank, that way you can make the ideal habitat. Check the inverts forum, they can help you.

 

[x-Twinkle-x]

Thanks everyone!

Luv Twinkle xx