Anemone crab without a nem

[Imbarrie]

Do these crabs need to host a nem or will they be fine without?
I love how they filter water and thinking of a couple in my fuge since my clowns are hosting my bubble tip.

 

[skene]

Same reason you need a home... it's a safe place to call your own.

 

[Imbarrie]

Will they miss it though.
This isn't like a hermit crab without a shell. Clownfish are ok with or without a nem.
Wondering if this crab is the same.

 

[skene]

It's coexistance. The crabs host the nem for protection, in turn it helps feed the nem.

 

[meloncoral]

I have seen then live without the anenome and do fine and I have seen them share the anenome with the clown so take your pick

 

[Imbarrie]

I know the symbiotic relationship. But in that instance they are not dependent for survival. My OP was questioning if the crab needs the nem for survival.
Someone at the LFS said the nem keeps the crab clean and without it the crab will die.
I have a lionfish. So if the clowns won't let it host then I'm concerned it will become dinner.
I think I will try it.

 

[yogi]

my crab and two clowns all are hosting the same anemone.
The crab and anemone were purchased together.
After three days of fighting the clowns, they all get along now :grouphug:

good luck