Emerald Crab

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Emerald Crab

Scientific Name Mithrax sculptus

Max. Size: About 3 cm.

Tank Size: 15 gallons +

Aggression: Semi-aggressive

Hardiness: Hardy

Reef-Safe: Yes, with caution.

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Hitchhiker? No

 Emerald Crab, grazing on algae
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Emerald Crab, grazing on algae

Physical Description

M. sculptus has a rough green to green-brown carapace. Its legs are often hairy and claws are smooth.

image:Emerald (Mythrax) crab.jpg

Distribution

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Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About

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  • Genus: Mithrax
  • Species: sculptus


Behavior

Emerald Crabs are territorial and will settle in a burrow from which they come out to forage for algae and other eatable matter. When small, they are not aggressive towards corals and other marine life, though E. sculptus will flash their claws and/or retreat to the burrow when threatened. As they grow larger, these crabs can start feeding on coral flesh (possibly due to lack of algae in more established aquariums).

Feeding

M. sculptus is an opportunistic feeder and has been known to pick at coral polyps when hungry. If its food supply runs out, supplemental feedings will prevent coral loss. Typically feeds on algae of all types and is one of the few aquatic creatures to eat bubble algae. If there is insufficient algae, their diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed, chopped meaty items or a quality pellet food.

Breeding

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Social Structure

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Additional Notes

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