Tip of the Day – 6/5/2011

Prior to introducing a new coral or invertebrate into your reef, it would be wise to feed the animals that make up your cleanup crew beforehand. Hermit crabs and shrimp are very curious creatures. They inspect any new item in the tank thoroughly, looking for any piece of food to eat. They are also very opportunistic predators, and will kill any animal that is too weak to defend itself. Very often, a newly introduced clam will not make it through the night because it’s too stressed to fend off an onslaught of hermit crabs, shrimp, and scavenging snails.