Black Sponge Crab

General information

The Black Sponge Crab is another reef safe invertebrate that is easy to take care of. It is good for the aquarium because it helps propagate soft corals. As its name suggests, it is black in color and it adds algae or sponges to itself to make a camouflage. It hunts for food at night. It can grow up to 1 1/2 in. 

It is an omnivore that usually consumes algae and smaller invertebrates.

Like most invertebrates, the Black Sponge Crab does not do well if there are large swings in water parameters. It also does not tolerate any type of metal traces in the water, therefore, it should never be in contact with any copper medications.

Most invertebrates do not like large swings in water parameters and the Black Sponge Crab is not an exception, so even though most hobbyists do not acclimate their cleaner crews it is suggested to do so. If you have a sump, float your cleaner crew in an area with low light to allow them to temperature acclimate first which should take about 15-20 min. Then it is best to slowly drip acclimate them to allow them to adjust to your water conditions.