The truth about MITHRAX CRAB

primereefaquatics · #1 (**permalink**) 08-29-2006, 03:42 AM

Okay, what is the latest on emerald crab and bubble algae? I did a search on RAG and the latest info was nearly 2 years ago.

No_Floaters · #2 (**permalink**) 08-29-2006, 05:50 AM

If you get lucky, you'll find one that will for awhile. Then they find food the fish missed and forget about the bubble algae. Then you have to worry about them getting bigger and eating little fish.
If you have a lot of it, keep the siphon hose close by while you scrap it loose so it won't be spread around

primereefaquatics · #3 (**permalink**) 08-29-2006, 12:51 PM

Taking the rock and scraping it is impossible for me. Too deep and too big of pieces. The little rocks are no problem. I have a 240 gal. I was looking also to the lettuce slug. I read somewhere they eat bubble algae.

DaxAlbrecht · #4 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 02:32 AM

I had a real bad bubble algae problem in my 58 gallon about a year ago. I put three small emerald crabs in there (one of them died shortly after). The crabs pretty much solved my bubble algae problem within a month or two. The thing with emerald crabs, is that they gennerally can't eat the large bubbles, but absolutely love the young bubbles and the small shoots. So what you have to do is remove the big bubbles, then the crabs will eat any part that is left preventing them from growing back. I've now had the two crabs for about a year and a half now. They have grown considerably,caused no problems, and kept the bubble algae at bay.

**DaveK** · #5 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 09:29 PM

I made this thread sticky. It's a good thread on emerald crabs and bubble algae control.

primereefaquatics · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 01:48 AM

Is there still a grave risk, are they safe or is a chance I take? What about thoughts of the lettuce slug (maybe a different thread)?

DaxAlbrecht · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 03:14 AM

I wouldn't say they are a grave risk. Like I've said, I have kept two in a reallatively small tank for over a year with absolutely no problems. I have occasionally noticed them picking on a zoanthid polyp in passing, but they have never caused any damage to them. IME, emerald crabs are strictly herbivores and the only reason I can imagine them doing any harm to fish or corals is if they were near starvation. I say give them a try.

Redwinger · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 04:33 AM

I have had nothing but good luck with mine at wiping out bubble algae.

primereefaquatics · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 01:44 PM

It seems that most are having good reports. I will give them a try.

klc317 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-19-2006, 06:08 AM

I really enjoy watching them too. They are funny little guys to watch. I have never had any negative things happen with the 3 I have. When I put seaweed on a clip for my fish, the emeralds gather around on the bottom directly under it and wait for me to push the clip down to them. They just sit there and stare up at it...hilarious.