Mithraculus sculptus

Description

Mithraculus sculptus is a small crab with a carapace longer than it is wide and large chelae (claws). The carapace is flat, shiny and green, finely sculpted, with whitish material adhering to the projections. The chelae are also green and are spoon-shaped and tipped with white. The walking legs are rather paler in colour and are hairy and often covered with encrustations. This crab grows to a length of about 4 cm.

Distribution and habitat

Mithraculus sculptus is native to the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Its range extends from the Bahamas and southern Florida to the northern part of Brazil at depths down to about 54 m. It is found in a number of varied habitats but may be most abundant in back reef environments.

Behaviour

Mithraculus sculptus is largely nocturnal, hiding in caves, crevices and under rocks during the day. It is principally a scavenger but it also feeds on algae. It is tolerant of both high and low temperatures and is capable of withstanding strong currents as it can use its legs to cling on to the substrate. It is often to be seen among the branches of corals such as the Porites furcata. It also feeds on organisms encrusting the leaf blades of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum). When threatened it often hides beneath the extended tentacles of the sun anemone (Stichodactyla helianthus).

Use in aquaria

Mithraculus sculptus is sometimes kept in reef aquaria where it is said to be compatible with other reef species. It will feed on algae including bubble algae (Valonia ventricosa) and eat any left-over meaty foods but, if it is underfed, may consume coral polyps or small fish. It also possesses strong legs that can make it difficult to remove from an aquarium.

References

References

1. Davie, Peter. (2013). "''Mithraculus sculptus'' (Lamarck, 1818)".
2. (2008). "Systema Brachyurorum: Part I. An annotated checklist of extant Brachyuran crabs of the world". [[Raffles Bulletin of Zoology]].
3. {{ITIS
4. (1978). "Marine Invertebrates and Plants of the Living Reef". T.F.H. Publications.
5. "Emerald crab (''Mithraculus sculptus'')". LiveAquaria.com.
6. "Emerald crab (''Mithrax sculptus'')". Reeftopia.com.
7. (2008). "Efficiency of using emerald crabs ''Mithraculus sculptus'' to control bubble alga ''Ventricaria ventricosa'' (syn. ''Valonia ventricosa'') in aquaria habitats". Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK.