Just curious.

[Overlook reef]

Hi

I am down cape cod and my daughter has been digging up (sand crabs?) (picture below)

I have seen what looks like this same exact species of sand crab being sold on the Internet. They said they are reef safe, burrow in the sand and are filter feeders.

Here is the question (and if it is a dumb one please don't be shy!). Do you think it may be the same species that are found in Florida? I know that the water is much colder here, but they live in the tide line and are use to extreme temp changes. I was thinking it is possible.?.? The next question is if it is, does anyone have any experience with these crabs? My daughter has asked if they would live in our tank and my knee jerk answer was no, but maybe they could. That is not to say I will try it, but I am very curious.

 

[kingfish62]

Who knows what it might be carrying?

 

[JohnK]

If it survives in newengland water temps it probably won't survive in our tanks.

People online also sell (as "reef safe") nassarius snails that are totally not reef safe or suitable for tropical marine tanks.

 

[MrX]

People online also sell (as "reef safe") nassarius snails that are totally not reef safe or suitable for tropical marine tanks.

John, can you give more detail about this? Why aren't they safe/suitable? First I've ever seen someone say that. Thanks.

 

[JohnK]

Read this;

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-11/mg/index.php

Then compare to this;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300-nassari...125?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7584942d

and this;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Live-Mud-Sn...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4164163063

and this;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-periwink...488?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebfe6ef98

 

[Turbosnail]

I have tried putting crabs and such in my tanks over the years but they never survive. I understand what you are saying about the tide line but it isn't a constant temp it gets hot then cold. So they can handle the hot for short time but then it gets cold. They also hide in the sand which helps keep them cool. In your tank it is always the same temp so they handle the hot for a little while but then there is no cold for relief and they die. You could always get yourself a big chiller and start a New England tank.

 

[P-Nut]

My girlfriends brother is a Boston Reefers member and has a 150gal reef tank.

He has crabs he picked up from a beach in kingston, MA. He put 20 or more in the tank, and there are at least 10 that are still alive. This was 4 months ago.
The crab are eating and hanging out.

 

[Overlook reef]

I have tried putting crabs and such in my tanks over the years but they never survive. I understand what you are saying about the tide line but it isn't a constant temp it gets hot then cold. So they can handle the hot for short time but then it gets cold. They also hide in the sand which helps keep them cool. In your tank it is always the same temp so they handle the hot for a little while but then there is no cold for relief and they die. You could always get yourself a big chiller and start a New England tank.

That is coming LOL! I just have to ease into it so that I don't get handed divorce papers! I will have a big New England tank someday!

 

[Overlook reef]

Thank you everyone for the input!

 

[MrX]

Read this;
<snipped />

Thanks John. Now I remember... it's more people passing off the wrong snail as something else/getting the ID wrong. I remember reading that first link way back during my research. Other than Reef Cleaners I've never bought CuC online so I'd hope my 'stock is good.

 

[Overlook reef]

Still alive and doing well!

 

[P-Nut]

Still alive and doing well!

View attachment 80536View attachment 80537

Nice.

I ahve taken cold water crabs before and put them in a reef aqquarium. Most of the time, they do fine.

 

[Cherokee_Dude]

LOL. I was at Wollaston Beach and saw tons of snails, hermits and what looked similar to emerald crabs. I have a chiller so temp wouldn't be a problem. Anyone tried cuc from this area before?