Arrow Crabs

[LittleFishBoy]

After being able to pay off the landlord (different story) I was able to keep my arrow crab (male) and i picked up another one today (female carrying eggs). As soon as i put her in with him, he attacked?? her. They fought for a while. Or at least thats what it looked like. Does anyone know if they were really fighting, or could he have been trying to fertilize the eggs? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[SouthernReefer]

[MontanaRocknReefer]

I don't think the male was trying to fertilize the eggs in the female! I believe the mating process takes place after the female has just molted!
I may be wrong here but the one you had first may eventually kill the other one!
I had a arrow crab and came home one evening from work and it was over the top of a sea urchin pulling all the spines out! Maybe others will give you better information!

[JennM]

I had a large arrow at the shop - it pulled 4 green chromis out of the water column 'just because' before I sumped it.

I don't order arrow crabs anymore.

[LittleFishBoy]

Well anyway, after posting last night i watched for a couple of hours, and to my surprise i saw the male pin the female up into a corner, come around until he got in front of her, then a "flap" opened up on the male, and the female opened up her pouch and he made a "deposit". Quite extraoridinary to watch. Pretty dang cool.

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Looks like a match!! Don't happen in the real world!!

[LittleFishBoy]

Will they continue to mate afterwards also? Or will he end up trying to kill her? What are your opinions? Also, does anyone know anything on trying save the eggs after she expels them? Thanks again.

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Well they may mate again after the female molts again! Is the male quite abit larger that the female? I think it would be impossible to save the eggs and never heard of them being reproduced in an aquarium! Like I say, I have not had alot of experience with them but if they have paired up the male should not kill the female! HTH