The Pithos Crab is a hardworking reef aquarium clean-up crew member prized for its appetite for nuisance algae and constant grazing behavior. Often added to established saltwater aquariums as a natural algae-control option, Pithos Crabs spend much of their time picking at rockwork and searching for algae and leftover food.
Their ability to graze in areas that snails may overlook makes them an excellent addition to a diverse saltwater aquarium clean-up crew, especially when combined with snails, hermit crabs, conchs, and shrimp.
Pithos Crab Care
Scientific Name: Pitho sp.
Common Name: Pithos Crab
Type: Marine Crab / Clean-Up Crew
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Generally Peaceful
Reef Safe: Generally Reef Safe
Diet: Primarily Herbivore / Omnivore
Aquarium Area: Rockwork & Substrate
Water Temperature: 74–80°F
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Recommended pH: 8.1–8.4
What Do Pithos Crabs Eat?
Pithos Crabs are primarily valued as algae grazers. They spend their time picking at algae growing on live rock and other aquarium surfaces and may also consume leftover food and other organic material they encounter.
They are commonly sought after by reef keepers dealing with nuisance algae and can be particularly useful as part of a larger clean-up crew where different invertebrates target different areas and food sources.
No clean-up crew animal should be considered a guaranteed solution to a specific algae outbreak. Proper nutrient management, lighting, water quality, and regular aquarium maintenance remain important for long-term algae control.
Pithos Crabs in a Reef Aquarium
Pithos Crabs are generally considered reef-safe when appropriately fed and are commonly kept in aquariums containing corals and other reef invertebrates.
Providing plenty of established rockwork gives the crab surfaces to graze and areas to retreat into when it wants shelter.
If natural algae becomes limited, supplemental foods such as dried marine algae, algae-based sinking foods, and other appropriate marine foods can help ensure the crab has enough to eat.
Like other marine invertebrates, Pithos Crabs are sensitive to rapid changes in salinity and water chemistry. Careful acclimation and stable reef parameters are recommended.
Why Add a Pithos Crab to Your Clean-Up Crew?
The Pithos Crab is an excellent choice for reef keepers looking to add another dedicated algae grazer to their aquarium. Its constant picking behavior complements snails and hermit crabs while adding greater diversity to the clean-up crew.
For aquariums experiencing nuisance algae—or reef keepers simply looking to build a more complete reef clean-up crew—the Pithos Crab is a useful and interesting addition.
Pithos Crabs are also included in our Island Reef Aquatics Large Invert Pack, which combines multiple algae grazers, scavengers, and sand-bed cleaners into one complete clean-up crew package.
Available from Island Reef Aquatics with local pickup in Deltona, Florida and shipping available.
