Red Emerald Crab

Mithraculus forceps

The Red Emerald Crab is well respected for its scavenging ability. It will enthusiastically feed on uneaten meaty foods and many types of nuisance algae. Unlike many other animals,Mithraculus sculptuswill eat bubble algae and helps clean your aquarium of these algae. Its distinct, flat shiny red body and hairy legs easily identify the Red Emerald Crab.

Native to the reefs of the Caribbean, the Red Emerald Crab is nocturnal and hides in caves and amongst rubble during the day. In the home aquarium, this member of the Majidae family requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places. Once familiar with its surroundings, the Red Emerald Crab will venture out of hiding during the day to forage on algae.

Care needs to be taken to ensure an ample supply of food is available for the Red Emerald Crab. Many aquarists supplement the Red Emerald Crab’s diet with dried seaweed and chopped meaty foods, such as shrimp, as well as a quality pellet fish food.

Otherwise, this opportunistic feeder may turn to corals, invertebrates, or small fish for a food source. However, when well fed, most Red Emerald Crabs are very tolerant of their tankmates and highly compatible in reef environments. Like other invertebrates, the Red Emerald Crab does not tolerate copper-based medications or fluctuating water parameters.