[randy moore]

i have a large finger leather coral that i have had for several years. last week it had fell to the bottom of my tank. the scarlet hermit crabs began slowly atatch themselves to the coral . and have noticed a few cuts in the fingers. any idea what to do the coral looks health other than a few slits. and cant keep them away.

[Kevin W]

Did you put your leather back whare it fell from? How many crabs do you have in your tank?

[randy moore]

yes i put him back to same location. but also have moved things a bit, had to move tank to make room for my new one. tank isa 55 gal and maybe have 6 to 10 crabs.

[Kevin W]

Are the crabs swarming the leather? Do you have any sinking pellets you can feed the crabs to lure them away from the coral.

[NOSAJ214]

The Problem Is That Your Scarlets(if Thats Definitlet What They Are)sound Hungry,but I Dont Know Why They Would Be Going At Finger Leather Anyway,i Have 90 Gal Stocked Pretty Heavy And Mine Scarletts Only Come Out At Night.

[randy moore]

no not swarming only found a couple on the coral. i may have to check at night to see whats going on .its just that their are a few cuts on the branches. and am a little concerned. leaving for vacation soon. and am switching to larger tank when i return.

[Kevin W]

If your water parameters are good and your feeding your corals the leather should start healing itself and the crabs will leave it alone.

[pogodzib]

The crabs would leave the coral alone if the coral was healthy. Since the crabs aren't leaving it alone, they are probably feeding on either dead tissue or algae forming on the coral.