Emerald Crab
(Mithraculus sculptus)

Descrição

I have gathered quite a bit of information on the Emerald Crab (*Mithraculus sculptus*).

Here’s a summary of the key data points:
* **Scientific Name:** *Mithraculus sculptus*
* **Common Name:** Emerald Crab, Green Clinging Crab, Emerald Mithrax Crab
* **Maximum Size:** Consensus is around 4 cm (1.6 inches) or 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) from body, but some sources mention 3-4 inches from leg tip to leg tip for larger specimens, which can be predatory. I will go with the commonly cited maximum shell size of 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) for consistency and to emphasize that larger ones can be problematic. I’ll convert to CM.
* 2.5 inches = 6.35 cm. I’ll use 6.5 cm for simplicity.
* **Origin:** Tropical Western Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Florida Keys, Bahamas, northern Brazil.
* **pH Range:** 8.1-8.4.
* **Temperature:** 24-28°C (75-82°F). I will use the Celsius range.
* **Lifespan:** 2-4 years. Some sources mention 4-6 years in captivity for red emerald crabs, which are stated to be similar. I will stick to 2-4 years.
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom/Mid (they cling to rockwork, scavenge on substrate). They are primarily nocturnal, hiding in crevices, but will forage during the day once accustomed to the tank. So, it’s more ‘tank zone’ or ‘benthic’. I’ll state ‘Bottom/Rockwork’.
* **Diet:** Omnivore. Primarily feeds on algae (including bubble algae and hair algae), detritus, and uneaten meaty foods. Supplemental feeding is crucial to prevent them from becoming opportunistic predators on corals, small fish, or other invertebrates.
* **Care Level:** Easy to Moderate. Generally easy, but caution needed regarding reef safety if underfed.
* **Temperament:** Semi-aggressive (towards other crabs, potentially towards small fish/corals if underfed). Generally peaceful towards other tank mates when well-fed.
* **Compatibility (Reef Safe):** Reef-safe with caution. Can nip at corals, small fish, or other invertebrates if underfed or if space is limited. Supplemental feeding is key.
* **Minimum Tank Size:** 30-40 litres (8-10 gallons) for a single crab is mentioned, but 50 litres (13 gallons) or even 75-115 litres (20-30 gallons) per crab is recommended due to potential aggression and territory needs, especially if keeping more than one. I will recommend 40L as a minimum for one, with a note for larger tanks for multiples.

**Refinement for descriptions:**
* **Headline:** Focus on its beneficial role and unique look.
* **Overview:** Describe its green color, body shape, nocturnal habits, and scavenging nature.
* **Care Level:** Mention easy care but emphasize the “reef-safe with caution” aspect due to opportunistic feeding if not well-fed, and potential intraspecies aggression.
* **Tank Essentials:** Provide minimum tank size and water parameters. Stress plenty of live rock for hiding.
* **Diet:** Reiterate its omnivorous nature, its role in algae/detritus control, and the need for supplemental meaty foods/algae if natural sources are scarce.
* **Why Buy From Us:** Standard premium retailer benefits (healthy, quarantined, ethically sourced).
* **SEO:** Integrate “buy Emerald Crab online”, “Emerald Crab care”, “reef algae control”, “healthy aquarium inhabitants”.

Let’s start drafting the HTML.

Emerald Crab: Your Reef’s Vibrant Algae Clean-Up Crew

Add an industrious and captivating Emerald Crab to your marine aquarium! Known for their vibrant green hue, these omnivorous crustaceans are excellent scavengers, diligently maintaining your tank’s cleanliness.

Overview

The Emerald Crab (*Mithraculus sculptus*) is easily identified by its distinctive, flat, shiny green carapace and often hairy legs. These nocturnal invertebrates spend their days nestled among live rockwork, emerging at night to diligently scavenge for detritus and nuisance algae. While primarily green, some individuals may display subtle variations in their coloration. They are a fascinating and active addition to any mature marine setup.

Care Level

Considered easy to moderate to care for, the Emerald Crab is generally peaceful towards other species when well-fed. However, they can be opportunistic if hungry, potentially nipping at corals or small, slow-moving tank mates. It’s best to keep only one in smaller tanks to avoid aggression between individuals.

Tank Essentials

A minimum of 40 litres (10 gallons) is recommended for a single Emerald Crab, with more space needed if housing multiples. Provide ample live rock with crevices for hiding and foraging. Maintain stable water parameters: pH 8.1-8.4 and temperature 24-28°C (75-82°F).

Diet

Emerald Crabs are omnivores with a hearty appetite for various algae, including stubborn bubble algae and hair algae, along with leftover meaty foods. Supplement their diet with dried seaweed (nori) or high-quality sinking pellets, especially if natural algae sources are scarce, to ensure they remain a beneficial member of your reef algae control team.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Emerald Crab online from Corais de Vidro, you’re investing in healthy aquarium inhabitants. We rigorously quarantine all our marine invertebrates and practice ethical sourcing, ensuring your new clean-up crew member arrives vibrant and ready to thrive in your aquatic ecosystem, backed by our commitment to responsible fishkeeping.

• Scientific Name: *Mithraculus sculptus*
• Common Name / Variant: Emerald Crab
• Maximum Size: 6.5 cm (2.5 inches)
• Origin: Caribbean Sea / Gulf of Mexico
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Lifespan: 2–4 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom / Rockwork

Add this diligent scavenger to your reef tank today!