Help--I've got crabs!

[Dr_Data]

Fiddler crabs... what did you think I meant!? This isn't WebMD... Okay, now I've got your attention!

We recently converted to salt water. Just turned on the SWCG yesterday after really dialing in the chemistry. Apparently, now all the fiddler crabs love the pool. We currently have 21 in the pool. Normally, we might get 1 or 2 hopping in per week, remove them, no problem. I removed several a bit ago and they just scurried back into the pool. I guess of relevance is we had tropical storm Elsa roll through Wed/Thu, dumping 4" of rain.

Plan is to later scoop them out with my minnow net when we all go for a swim later today, once the sun is lower on the horizon and relocate them to the marsh.

Any ideas on how to prevent the crabs (or most of them) from coming into the pool? Is it common for fiddler crabs to like saltwater pools?

 

[swamprat69]

I hear that they are really tasty fried!

 

[Selenap]

Well now we know. Bleach (chlorine) don’t kill crabs.

 

[Dr_Data]

@Leebo do you know who moved this thread? This is pool-related... and an ongoing problem (I have 7 more fiddler crabs today). Please move it back or to an appropriate pool-related thread.

MOD note-this has been moved to a more pool related area.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Fiddler crab - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Females choose their mate based on claw size and also quality of the waving display.

Apparently size matters …

 

[avspin]

Do they have a way out? They may not like the water with chlorine but are unable to leave it. Otherwise, maybe just leave them. They should help keep the pool clean.

 

[Dr_Data]

@avspin - they do not really have a way out. I'm unsure if they want out. First one I got out ran right back in So I put them in a 5 gallon bucket then dumped them in the ditch along the road. I may just be stuck with these mud bugs in the pool anytime I go in & needing to remove them. I suppose I do not need to purchase fiddlers for fishing anymore...

 

[avspin]

Your very own built in bait tank.
Seriously though it might be the time of the year. They may just stop showing up. I have no idea.
Good luck.

 

[Newdude]

Not that it’s an incredible feat to stump me….. but you’ve stumped me nonetheless.

I’m thankful for you that it’s *some* fiddler crabs and not the en masse 10k of them that look like the beach is moving.

 

[avspin]

Might try a towel over a ball at the steps. Curious if they crawl out themselves onto the towel.

 

[JamesW]

FrogLog: Keeps Frog & Other Animals Out Of Your Swimming Pool

The FrogLog allows animals to escape from your swimming pool. The FrogLog saves animals while keeping your water clean. Order the FrogLog products online now!

froglog.us

 

[zea3]

Odds are its not the salt that attracts them, just the fact that your pool is the closest body of water after TS Elsa relocated them. They won't want to stick around when they discover there is no food in your pool.

 

[sktn77a]

We have the same issue with frogs..... just scoop them out with a net (they don't swim as fast as frogs)!

 

[mguzzy]

I agree with @zea3 ... your pool is the closest source of water. It's not like your pool is showing up as the new go-to destination on the Crab-chat forum and they all want your pool. If there were a lot of crabs that got displaced due to the storm.. they are just trying to migrate back to a water source.. and your pool is along the way. How close are you to another source of water that they would prefer?

 

[JJ_Tex]

 

[Newdude]

they are just trying to migrate back to a water source.

Pretty sure they aren’t that bright either. So they’re all patting themselves on the back thinking they made it. Well done Fellas !! High Claw !!

 

[mguzzy]

Maybe they will help keep your algae at bay? Put them in charge of you SWG.