Mithrax Crab eat hair algae?

[Siejuban]

When I got my LR, there are already 2 crabs in the rock, they are green, look like emerald crab, someone in this site had told me they are Mithrax Crab, does these crab eat hair algae as Emerald Crab? Are they reef safe? so I don't need to add emerald crab at a later time?

[Vandur]

Siejuban,

 

First off, sounds like you have a Mithrax sculptus, ie. Emerald Mithrax Crab. These do eat algae, though, from personal observation, mine don't tend to eat much green hair algae (They'll eat anything else first.. LOL..). your results may vary.

 

 

~V

[Siejuban]

Thanks!

 

So I think I will not add emerald crab yet, till I figure how these little guys doing in my tank.

[Vandur]

Siejuban,

 

If you REALLY want to add a crab.. and don't mind hermits, try a couple of red legged hermit's. I think they eat more algae then my emeralds (they can be quite annoying and destructive at times though).

 

Just my $.02 though.

 

~V