Crabs

[DYIguy]

I bought some emerald crabs a long time ago to get rid of bubble algae- didn't happen. they tossed just about anyting they could around- some pretty big rocks too, I heard stories about how they may kill fish. I read how pitho crabs eat bubble algae and don't get as big as emeralds and bought a couple- don't see how they could ever eat bubble algae because mine never leave the bottom of the tank/ or the sand bed mostly. I rarely see mine out of the sand bed- think they should be considered a part of the cuc- my sand is clean- I only have a few hermits to help and no sand sifters at all - a yellow wtchman- but it's almost worthless
I just wonder why you never see pithosin LFS- just online

 

[Rueric]

I've picked up a pitho from reefcleaners before to help combat bubble algae.
He definitely eats it!
Emerald crabs, it's a toss up whether or not they will, the last one I got looks to be eating some.
Emerald crab 1/5, Pitho 1/1

 

[DYIguy]

My pitho is a great sand sifter- spends most of the time in the sand moving around with only it's eyes and pincers visable- which are small- better than an emerald- can get into smaller crevices. I asked one LFS why it doesn't carry them- the guy said it was because they get their inverts from the Keys/ Caribbean-duh- that's where pithos come from-- I'd get some more, I know reefcleaners and Saltybottomreefcompany have them- would have to find some locals to combine an order to make the shipping worth while