[rlcline76]

I am thinking about purchasing a coral banded shrimp for my tank. I read a little about them on the Web, says that they could eat small hermit crabs. The site did not state how small. However, we have bristleworms in the tank (not an infestation, but I do not need one either) and need something that might keep the tank tidy. Anyone out there that might be able to shed some light on how small is a small hermit crab?

[RyanG]

hermit crabs in saltwater are the size of a dime, or nickel. Hope this gives you some idea.

[rlcline76]

I put a couple of our largest hermit crabs in the tank. I did pick up a CBS and if he eats the crabs, I will just be out of a couple bucks and I will get a couple of much needed larger crab shells for the rest of the population. The pet store owner said that the CBS' aggressiveness toward hermit crabs and fish, depends on its hunger level and general temperment. I read that they usually leave fish alone, and then AFTER I bought the CBS, I read that it can attack any fish that finds refuge in the rocks. I am a little concerned about the yellow prawn goby that has been residing in the tank. My son wants a firefish in the tank, as well, but I am a little apprehensive at this point. I am hoping that this might be a personality issue for the CBS, rather than a general rule.

[jade4286]

my coral banded shrimp doesn seem to bother any of his tank mates: bonded pair of maroon clowns, 6 line wrasse, 2 serpents stars, 2 emerald crabs, anenome crab, various snails and hermies...

[rlcline76]

I added a few hermit crabs last night. I don't want to point any fingers, but he might have made off with one (or another hermit crab decided that someone else's shell looked better than his... ). The shrimp doesn't seem too interested in his tank mates right now, but I mainly get to see him during the day, might have to get a nanny cam on that tank at night.