Cleanup Crew
Emerald Crab; Atl. – Mithraculus sculptus
$24.98
Live animal: Overnight delivery, Tuesday–Friday (Saturday $25 extra, arranged by phone or email). Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.We ship daily. Prices and availability may change. Images are for illustration only and may vary from the actual product. Stock is subject to change.
- Packed to order with heat or cold packs for the season
- Eating and settled in our systems before it ships
- Questions? Ask a reef keeper
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About this invertebrate
About this invertebrate
Emerald Crab; Atl. – Mithraculus sculptus is a saltwater crab commonly used in reef and fish-only aquariums to help keep live rock and algae under control. This species (Mithraculus sculptus) is best viewed as a cleanup crew member: it browses algae and scavenges leftover foods, making it useful for routine maintenance of a mature, stable saltwater tank.
Features:
- Feeds by grazing on algae and biofilm and by scavenging detritus and uneaten food
- Works well as a supplement to algae-control routines in reef-style aquariums
- Generally peaceful toward tankmates when enough space and rock cover are provided
- Needs secure hiding spots because crabs can be vulnerable during settling and molts
- Best kept in aquariums with strong live-rock and a stable, well-established environment
Specifications:
- Scientific name: Mithraculus sculptus
- Care level (general guidance): Moderate; performs best with stable water conditions and appropriate food availability
- Tank type: Saltwater reef or fish-only systems
- Diet (general): Algae/biofilm grazing plus scavenging; can also accept sinking meaty foods
- Temperature: Typical reef range: about 72–78°F (22–26°C)
- Salinity: Typical reef range: about 1.023–1.026 specific gravity
- pH (general reef range): About 8.1–8.4
- Placement: On live rock and rockwork where algae/biofilm is present and hiding spots are available
