all snails coral safe?

[105man]

Are all the so-called algae eaters, snails, little hermits, etc., safe for mushrooms, polyps, other soft corals? Or do they eat them if there isn't enough algae?

[Geoff]

well this is a larger question than you think. generally speaking yes, if they are the true algae eaters than they will not munch your softies.

snails are the most reliable. they generally do not posses the armament to capture food, welks are one of the exceptions. ceriths, turbos, trochus, margarita. these are the safest of the snails. bumblebee, nassarious are more detritus eaters so they can be oportunistic, but generally will not harm healthy critters.

crabs on the other hand are oportunistic. they will kill snails for their shells. generally though they will not harm healthy critters also.

G~