Antler Crab Coral Shell

[lewiss]

Unfortunately my antler crab has died as the coral grew new spikes that kept knocking the crab over so he couldn't reach the ground. I kept putting him back but he seemed to fall over onto his side and was unable to get up. So I want to look after the coral on it's own now but I'm nt sure what type it is?

Is it Acopora?

 

[kj23502]

yes acropora

 

[GGtank]

The Staghorn Hermit Crab lives in a branching shell that is covered with hydroids and bryozoans. The crab itself is a hardy companion for the aquarium, but the shell that it resides in requires specialized care. This shell has multiple branches that resemble the branching SPS coral Acropora.

Staghorn hermits are best kept in a biotope system with other filter feeding invertebrates, or in a refugium where the hydroids and bryozoans on its shell can be fed properly with types of live or prepared plankton foods.

This is a unique hermit crab that makes a house out of the staghorned hydrocoral (Janaria mirabilis). The hydrocoral has chemically eroded away the original gastropod shell.

 

[lewiss]

Thanks guys, Here's hoping I can keep it alive, it's been well till now, about 8months and as I say it's growing new off shoots so it must be doing well.

Thanks again..