2017-12-04 Invertebrate of the day – Emerald Crab

[Mark Shelly]

The emerald crab (mithraculus sculptus) is a small scavenger. For aquariums, it is desired for its ability to eat bubble algae, although there is doubt that this eliminates it from an aquarium). On the other hand, it is known for dislodging frags and small coral colonies. It comes from the Caribbean and tends to come out and eat at night. I use a UV flashlight to observe mine at night time. My young emerald crab likes to hide under the barbs of my flower anemone during the day. There are videos out there that claim emerald crabs eat corals. They may irritated corals, and even damage them, but it usually appears to me that they are looking for algae living in or under corals. Mithrix carbs tent to be closely related, but usually more brown or reddish. The first time I saw and empty shell, I thought I had lost my crab. I would recommend adding them small.



Underwater worlds.


Videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOnjrdwiitU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zOXjdvTXk8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmuQOkynYRg

 

[horseplay]

One of my favorite cleanup crew. Always have a couple in the tank. Take care of a variety of algae and the appetite is just unbelievable. Never harmed any coral even though one like to rest of Sps branches.