Emerald Crab – Mithraculus sculptus

Emerald Crabs (Mithraculus sculptus, formerly Mithrax scultpus) are excellent algae eaters, and are especially useful in combating bubble algae. They have a lumpy, green carapace, furry legs, and claws flattened at the tips to harvest food. Most commonly they are found in a light or dark green coloration. They are very similar to the Red-ridged Clinging Crab (Mithraculus forceps, formerly Mithrax forceps).

These crabs are rock dwellers. They may not be seen often in a rocky tank as they can easily hide in small crevices in the rock. In cooperation with hermit crabs and snails and good maintenance habits, they will also help keep down the amount of hair algae that can grow in the aquarium.