Emerald crab missing legs...

[fishman]

I was looking around in my tank tonight and saw one of my three emeralds crawling around by his claws only...all of his legs were gone. All 3 of the ones I have in my tank are small in size. I have not added anything to my tank that would make me suspect I have a critter that is a hitchhiker on maybe some LR. What would do this? I have red and blue leg hermits...3 small fish, regal, clown and damsel. All of these guys have been together for some time. The only thing I can think of is the hermits are really hungry. I find them dead from time to time as I dont feed my fish very often or much...any ideas?

[dskidmore]

The hermits will do that sort of thing. They are very agressive. Only thier small size makes them suitable for the aquarium. If you have a sump or refugium, you could put the injured emerald there to heal.

[JPloman]

You might also have a rock crab that is picking on him. Mine is in the same boat. Eventually the legs will grow back.

[fishman]

Update...well I found out that my suspecion was right. I saw today some of my hermits after the little guy. They tore off one of his 2 claws now so all he has left is 1 claw....no legs. I feel bad for him. Have placed him a corner to where hopefully no one will get him. These hermits I have are MEAN!

[dskidmore]

Hermits always are mean. They will take advantage of any precieved weakness.