Sally Lightfoot Crab
Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Percnon gibbesi, are collected from Atlantic waters bordering the Americas. These crabs are excellent cleaners within the reef aquarium, concentrating on a diet of both micro algae and uneaten foods. They are also one of the few animals that will eat bubble algae. Sally Lightfoot crabs have been known to associate with some species of urchins (Diadema sp.). The crab will scurry underneath the urchin in search of protection from possible predators.
Notes: This species must molt in order to grow. Generally at night, it will lay on its back and exit its exoskeleton. A new exoskeleton is excreted and will harden over a period of several hours. The animal is vulnerable at this time and should not be disturbed. Proper iodine levels assist with successful molting.
Detailed Information about this animal.
