Can a Mithrax Crab Kill a Yashia Goby?

[Andy V]

Recently I discovered a Mithrax crab in my tank. How it snuck in is beyond me, as I started my tank with dry rock and have only added small frags. Anyway, this thing is definitely not reef safe and I have been trying to get it out.

In the meantime, my Yashia has been gone for two days, and the pistol it was paired with is in his hole but won't come out. Either the Yashia hasn't come out for two days, which I think is unlikely, or he's dead. Everything else in the tank is fine...parameters, livestock, etc. The only suspect is this crab. So, can one of these kill a Yashia?

It's the top middle one listed under Mithrax

http://www.chucksaddiction.com/hitchcrabs.html

 

[willray]

Spotted the yasi yet? Allthough I am not a fan of crabs and unless it is large crab I doubt it killed it/them.The pistol will easily fend it off from its pistol.

 

[Andy V]

Unfortunately, the Yashia must be dead, as it's been five days without seeing him now. The pistol was still alive two days ago, but I didn't see him yesterday. Is the pistol going to die without it's partner? I dropped some food in it's hole so it should have some food until I can get another shrimp goby.

The crab is not a typical Emerald crab from the Mithrax family. It is a black&white, fuzzy, and mean looking one. I tried to grab him two nights ago, but I was only able to rip off one of his arms with the big claw. I haven't seen him since so hopefully it's dead.

 

[Ruge13]

The shrimp may have molted. It won't die without a hosting partner.

Your crab is not dead from losing an arm. HE's probably doing the same thing as your shrimp might be, hiding until healed a bit. He'll be back...

I've had my firefish and gobies disappear for days. My yellow watchman disappeared for several weeks once. There may still be hope.

 

[Andy V]

The crab is definitely NOT dead. I saw the little bastard last night. He used to come right out but now when he sees me he hides right away. I guess that's what happens when someone rips your arm off!

 

[FOXYB]

Sounds like a pain if you can isolate the rock he's is in, chop sticks or skewers are great crab prodding tools