How difficult is it to keep Emerald Crab?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Emerald Crab?

The ideal temperature for Emerald Crab is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Emerald Crab?

The average lifespan of Emerald Crab is 2-4 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Emerald Crab get?

Emerald Crab typically reaches 3-5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Emerald Crab?

Emerald Crab feeds on: Omnivore (algae, bubble algae, leftovers). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Emerald Crab?

The price of Emerald Crab varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

AI-generated image

Emerald Crab

Beginner

Mithraculus sculptus

A glossy green reef crab valued as one of the few animals that eats troublesome bubble algae. A handy member of the marine cleanup crew.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

24〜27℃

Lifespan

2-4 years

Size

3-5cm

Humidity

—

Diet

Omnivore (algae, bubble algae, leftovers)

About

The emerald crab (Mithraculus sculptus) is a spider crab of Caribbean and western Atlantic reefs, recognized by its glossy bright-green carapace and spoon-tipped claws. In marine aquariums it is highly valued as one of the few animals that will eat troublesome bubble algae (Valonia and similar green algae) that most other cleanup animals avoid. Using its spoon-shaped claws deftly, it also scrapes algae from rock crevices. Nocturnal, it hides among the live rock by day and becomes active at night. It is mostly reef-safe, but if its algae food runs short it may go after small fish, corals, or other invertebrates, so feed it some seaweed or sinking food to keep it from getting hungry. It grows by molting, and the shed exoskeleton can be left in the tank. Hardy and easy to keep, it is sensitive to copper-based medications, which should be avoided.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Emerald Crab

The Emerald Crab lives 2-4 years.

Size of the Emerald Crab

The Emerald Crab grows to 3-5cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Emerald Crab

The ideal temperature for the Emerald Crab is 24〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Coral reefs of the Caribbean and western Atlantic

Lifespan

2-4 years

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Mithraculus sculptus (Lamarck, 1818)

Authority databases: Wikipedia

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

Invertebrate (marine crab, Dromiidae). Not covered by CITES, and not designated as a specified invasive species. May target other organisms when food is scarce. Copper-based treatments strictly prohibited.

Sources: CITES Appendices (not listed) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.