Fiddler Crabs

[Illtellyouwhat]

I'd like to throw this out there and see what kind of responses I get! I live in Florida and have access to Fiddler Crabs living in our Intra-Coastal Waterways. Wondering if they'd make a good 'snack' for a Picasso Triggerfish every now and then. I also realize it's a huge 'no no' to introduce 'outside' matter [Fiddlers possibly included] into an established tank. I'm not going to quarantine the crabs since I don't have the equipment, space etc. to do so, but rather just gather several every now and then and toss them to Mr. Greedy. Just a thought. Or am I

[Parrothead]

you are,

reason being, we have managed over the last 20 - 30 years to pretty much screw up our coastal water, including and especially the intercoastal water ways here in florida, I would never, ever take anything from any florida shoreline and put it in my tank. I've lived on both coast and seen nice and beautiful turned to garbage, your tank, your choice, I wouldn't.

[twisted]

well put Parrot! Florida isnt the Florida i lived in anymore...between the hurricanes and ppls disregard for our earth nothing is like it was 20 years ago...its sad that something as simple as our desire for a beautiful lawn pretty much classes the human race as nothing better than a parasite...
Tellya, i wasnt directing that at you, i just like to ramble sometimes but seriously, on top of doing unnesassary harm to an important role in fl's ecosystem, the crap could have parasites that could harm your fish...

[Illtellyouwhat]

Well, thank you both for your responses. I agree with you that things have 'changed' over the years and not for the better! I vividly remember living in NY as a child, then as a young adult, and seeing the Long Island Sound deteriorate slowly yet surely. Same goes for the Hudson River that I love so much! How horribly sad.
I wonder what exists that doesn't have pollutents imbedded in its core? Even the food we consume is tainted as dictated by laboratory standards [inclusive of those with 'organic' lables]. Anything we place into our tanks are all by products of the 'natural world' i.e. rock, livestock, water etc. I'm certain we agree that there is a certain amount of trash that is unavoidable.
I had no intention of upsetting our delicate ecosystem here in Florida by taking fiddler crabs. As mentioned, I thought it would be a change of diet venue, offering several specimens every now and then. I wouldn't think of taking bucket loads of our crawly little friends as I do appreciate the job they do defending our coastline here in Florida. I will consider sticking to the frozen squid and silversides I purchase at my local grocery as well as LFS. Hmmmmm....I wonder how 'pure' that stuff is?
Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated!

[twisted]

not sure how pure food store foods are but i do get clams,shrimp, and fish from the store to blend up in my food for the corals and fish so i guess since they come right from the ocean there is a chance of something bad being in it

[Illtellyouwhat]

Yes.

[leebca]

The two concerns of environmental effect and introducing pathogens to the home aquarium using coastal marine life forms have been the issues.

I don't know about environmental restrictions. Ninong may know about that.

Regarding pathogens, most can be dealt with by either the quarantine of captured marine life or by freezing them for over 48 hours. Upon thawing, parasitic pathogens will be dead; bacteria and fungal pathogens may be in stasis and eventually viable again.

[Illtellyouwhat]

Lee....Thank you for the 'tip' on freezing. Yes, that should turn the trick and hopefully destroy pathogens [bacterial, viral and fungal] that might take hold and upset my tank. I just didn't think of that....couldn't see the forrest 'cause the trees got in the way! LOL I was hoping to introduce the crabs live to entice the trigger, but frozen will have to do! As far as enviornmental considerations, I don't believe there are restrictions on the taking of fiddler crabs here in Florida. Easy enough to find out. That being said, as I had mentioned earlier, the crabs would be used only for a 'treat' every now and then and only taken as needed. And in small quantities i.e. 3 or 4 at a time. For all I know the fish might not be interested. I'll keep you posted if interested. Again, thanks!

[leebca]

From what you posted, you didn't understand my post. But, it's not you. It was me. I didn't write it very well. Sorry.

The freezing takes care of the parasites;
Freezing does not kill fungal and bacteria and viral pathogens.

[Illtellyouwhat]

I did understand your post and I'm concluding that the freezing 'should' take care of the other pathogens. Your point regarding pathogens being placed in 'cryogenic' suspension is well taken and intelligently written! I certainly hold you harmless for my actions!
I started this post quite simply and innocently and find that answers and comments are all over the place [save yours]. I have come to learn that in this hobby, there will always be individuals [right or wrong] that will slam you or totally agree with you. It is NOT an exacting hobby and I think most here agree. I'm here to learn. Somehow, I was, in a roundabout way, told my actions would do 'unnecessary harm to an important role in Floridas ecosystem'!!! I guess my post wasn't carefully read and I gave the impression that I was going to remove fiddlers by the truck load! Not the case. That's aside, thank you again for reading my post and taking the time to so carefully respond to it with worthy feedback! I appreciate what you've offered.