Pithos Crab

Pitho mirabilis

Identification	A small Caribbean clinging/decorator crab with a rounded, often algae-covered carapace and stout legs. It frequently arrives as a hitchhiker on Atlantic live rock and corals.
Maximum Length	1″
Origin	Western Atlantic & Caribbean
Minimum Tank Size	20 Gallon
Reef Compatibility	Reef safe. A generally harmless algae grazer and scavenger.

Behavior

A shy, hardy little crab that hides in crevices by day and grazes algae and detritus at night. Considered reef safe and often a beneficial part of the cleanup crew, though like most crabs it is an opportunist that may scavenge dead or dying animals.

Diet & Feeding

Algae (including nuisance algae), detritus and leftover foods.

Cautions

Opportunistic — very rarely may pester a weakened animal, but generally safe. Provide hiding places.