Red Mithrax Crab

Mithrax forceps is a small, reef-safe crab with red-tipped claws that specialises in consuming bubble algae (Valonia) and other nuisance macroalgae. Peaceful toward corals and fish, it is one of the most popular crabs for reef clean-up crews. Provide ample rockwork for hiding and supplement its diet with algae-based foods if algae supply is limited in established tanks.

Minimum 40 L reef. pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.023–1.025, temperature 22–27°C. Primary diet: bubble algae and macroalgae; supplement with nori, algae wafers, or frozen foods when algae supply is low. Reef-safe with corals and fish; avoid mixing with very small ornamental shrimp. Provide caves and rockwork hiding spots. Can be kept in small groups.