Mithraculus sculptus

Download Reef App on Google Play or App Store
Get it on Google Play Get it on App Store
Facts
Latin name Mithraculus sculptus
Local name Emerald/Mithrax Crab
Family Majoidea - Mithraculus
Origin West Atlantic
Max length 4 cm (1.6")
As aquarium fish
Minimum volume 50 l (13 gal)
Hardiness Hardy
Suitable for aquarium Suitable for most aquarium
Reef safe Always reef safe
Aggressiveness Peaceful
Feed
Recommended Macroalgea (Eg. seaweed / nori)
Microalgea (Eg. spirulina)
Mostly Detritus
Keep in mind
Reef safe, when well fed

This species can be found nibbling soft coral and LPS if there is insufficient food available.

Effective algae-eaters

This species can eat large amounts of algae (relative to their size) from rocks, like green hair algae and filamentous algae.

As it doesn’t eat every algae type, in case of a specific algae plague, find out more precise information.

Descriptions and further reading
Family description (Majoidea)

Most crabs are not wanted in coral aquaria, although there are a few which are either fun or useful.

References and further reading

About references

James W. Fatherree. 2010. Aquarium Invertebrates: Crabs in the Marine Aquarium - Advanced Aquarist - (English)
Ronald L. Shimek. 2004. Marine Invertebrates (PocketExpert Guide) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Bob Fenner. Crabs For Marine Aquariums? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 - Wet Web Media - (English)