Emerald Crab
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A relatively safe herbivore that will eat various types of algae. Matthew Wittenrich
[edit] Overview
This small spider crab is, true to its name, predominantly green. Unlike most of its kin, it neither decorates itself nor preys very often on living animals. It seems to prefer adherent fleshy green algae, but will eat other types. This is one of the few aquarium animals that will eat bubble algae, which may occasionally reach plague proportions in some tanks.
Family: Mithracidae
Other common name(s):
- Green Clinging Crab
- Spider Crab
- Hard-back Crab
Native range:
Maximum length: 5 cm (2 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Lighting: Immaterial.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Mostly herbivorous on algae, but also preys on small animals and will scavenge aquarium foods.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Relatively safe herbivore, but there have been occasional reports of it attacking sessile animals.
[edit] Notes
Mithrax sculptus requires normal reef aquarium conditions, plenty of algae, and some rockwork, but is otherwise undemanding. Truly an oddity among crabs, it is mostly herbivorous.
| Common name | Emerald Crab +, Green Clinging Crab +, Spider Crab +, and Hard-back Crab + |
| Family | Mithracidae + |
| Genus | Mithrax + |
| Image credit | PH + |
| Lighting | Immaterial. + |
| Maximum length | 2 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | Caribbean + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | sculptus + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |