Any LFS have Pitho Crabs?

[Jimbo327]

I want to knock back some bubble algae before they get out of control. Any LFS carry the Pitho crabs?

Preferably in OC.

 

[bfiggy]

I used emerald crabs and they left no crumbs. Got mine from golden state corals in reseda but most fish stores should have them. Call in advance. I’d also note not to get the ones that are massive they can pick at corals.

 

[JojosReef]

I get mine from ReefCleaners. Not local, but I like that they keep a non fish system.

 

[Duckman]

Ellis aquatics had some last week. They are in Wilmington

 

[Jimbo327]

I called several LFS including Ellis, and no one has them.

What is everyone experience with pitho crabs? Do they eat bubble algae? Or should I go for Emerald? I’m weary of Emeralds getting big and start messing with other things.

 

[joseserrano]

Uncommon for places to stock these. Probably a special order item. Try a sm rabbit fish

 

[JojosReef]

Mixed success with pitho crabs. My current one is a monster bubble algae eater. Even cleans the snails:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BgxLzf3csUN1YPmj6

Every single emerald I have ever gotten stopped earing bubble algae shortly after introducing to my tank. They just became scavengers or would start eating corals. I'll probably avoid them from now on.

For pithos, they have never bothered my corals except for knocking sand bed corals over. But I've only had a few that really went for the bubble algae--the others became scavengers for TDO pellets or other food that fell to the sand bed.

 

[JojosReef]

More
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LjQBGcN9uvDYMRfg8

This one will go over most of the rocks but seems to igore the far left side of the tank.