How big will it get?

[littlefishy]

I have discovered an 'Emerald' crab in my reef tank. It's body is about an inch across at the moment, how big will it get???
Thanks

 

[fly guy]

Ive seen them as big as nearly 2" across. Make sure what you have is indeed a emerald and not just a look alike. Look at the tips of the claws......good crabs will have disks at the tips, for grabbing algae, instead of sharp jagged things for grabbing meat.

 

[Snowboarda42]

"It'll only get as big as the tank." Just kidding, don't ever believe that statement.

I've only seen them get 1" across on its body, but they're all different. I have two in my tank, one is 1" and the other is .5" and doesn't seem to get any bigger than that.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

I have 3 that are a good 1 1/4"+ across the body. Really fond of them,no more bubble algae for me...

 

[Jan]

Here's something I've wondered about emerald crabs. I would assume they have to pop the bubble algae to eat it. So why don't we feel safe in popping it to take it out of our tanks? I have some in my tank now and I'm nervous about popping it. I don't have any emerald crabs...

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Allegedly, popping them releases babies, oh well...
Pop away in my opinion. Used to have tons as in hundreds, perhaps 1000s. Now find one every other week. The fuge has had a large effect, but every day I see them munching away by scraping the rocks. Consider them friendly pets.

 

[Jan]

Ah, so if your fuge helped the situation, then they must be a sign of higher nutrient levels? I have been feeding the fish rather generously lately....don't want anyone to go hungry don't you know...

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Ah, so if your fuge helped the situation, then they must be a sign of higher nutrient levels?

Absolutely!