Name: CRAB - PITHO Pitho mirabilis
SKU: 23822
Availability: InStock

CRAB – PITHO Pitho mirabilis

$14.99

The Pitho Crab is a popular addition to marine aquariums for its enthusiasm to scavenge and control algae such as hair and bubble algae. Originating from the Caribbean, Pitho crabs are often gray to tan in color. On average, Pitho crabs grow to one to two inches in size. The females grow claws that will be the same size as her body while the males have much smaller claws. They are peaceful and do not use their claws to protect themselves from aggressive fish, relying instead on camouflage to keep themselves safe.

5 in stock

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Pitho Crab is a popular addition to marine aquariums for its enthusiasm to scavenge and control algae such as hair and bubble algae. Originating from the Caribbean, Pitho crabs are often gray to tan in color. On average, Pitho crabs grow to one to two inches in size. The females grow claws that will be the same size as her body while the males have much smaller claws. They are peaceful and do not use their claws to protect themselves from aggressive fish, relying instead on camouflage to keep themselves safe.

Diet Requirements: Pitho crabs are herbivores. They will eat various algae including decorative macroalgae. When food is scarce, crabs become opportunistic feeders and may nip at corals, especially soft corals. We recommend supplementing sheet algae and algae wafers so crabs remain compatible with the reef environment.

Tank Requirements: An established, minimum aquarium size of 5 gallons is recommended to house an Pithos crab. Maintaining stable water parameters is a component to the success of keeping this invertebrate; Pitho crabs are intolerable of high nitrates. Creating crevices or caves with liverock will mimic the Pitho crab’s natural environment. Multiple individuals of Pitho crabs can coexist, but be sure there is ample aquarium space to reduce competition. Recommended water conditions: 76-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.024-1.026.

Purchase Size: 1“

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.

Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.