Scientific
Name: Percnon gibbesi
Family:
Crustaceans
Common Names: Sally Lightfoot Crab, Nimble
Spray Crab
Description:
The Sally Lightfoot crab is easily recognized by it's green-brown carapace
and yellow markings and bands around the joints of its legs. It has
two front antennae which are constantly moving.
The name of Sally Lightfoot is actually a misnomer. True
Sally Lightfoot crabs are found in the Galapagos Islands region. They are
red and dwell mostly outside the water.
Natural Environment:
Tropical western Atlantic
Care:
Reef Suitability: The Sally Lightfoot is a good scavenger
for reef tanks. They are primarily algae eaters and spend the day
constantly picking at the live rock. They are very active tank
inhabitants.
Disposition: Generally get along well with
other tank inhabitants and other Sally Lightfoot crabs. Being very active
creatures, they tend to walk over corals and disturb them at times, but this
does not cause any damage. They will also compete aggressively with other
animals for food.
Feeding: They spend the day foraging for algae and misc. scraps that
may come their way. As with all scavengers, Sally Lightfoot crabs are
opportunistic feeders and may be guilty of eating sick or injured fish.
There is some evidence that larger specimens may become eaters of healthy fish
or shrimp, but more likely the specimen had already died before the crab got a
hold of it and all the hobbyist sees is a crab with a dead specimen in its
claws.
Hardiness: Very hardy. Sometimes may have problems
with molting the shell. Lack of adequate iodine in the water may lead to
this condition.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of
75-84°F.
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