Caribbean king crab “gardener” helps restore reefs
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In Mexico, scientists are breeding Caribbean king crabs ( Maguimithrax spinosissimus ) to help restore coral reefs within the Mesoamerican Reef system, which spans Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala. Runoff from agriculture and wastewater pollutes the sea, causing algae to overgrow and suffocate corals. The king crab, a large herbivore, consumes these algae, creating space for coral to thrive.
Researchers Sara Gutiérrez and Melina Soto, with the initiative Healthy Reefs for Healthy People, have successfully bred the crabs in captivity and introduced 175 juveniles into the reefs of Puerto Morelos, Mexico since 2019, with plans to expand the program to Belize and Honduras.
These crabs can eat up to 20% of their body weight in algae daily, and their delicate pincers don't harm coral tissue, earning them the nickname “gardener of the reef.” Despite the crabs’ appetite, their populations haven’t grown as quickly as hoped because young crabs are vulnerable to predators like fish and octopuses. The researchers are focused on increasing the survival rate of juvenile crabs, as healthy herbivore populations are crucial for keeping algae from dominating the reef.
A 2024 report indicates that macroalgae levels remain at “Poor” conditions across the four countries sharing the Mesoamerican Reef, the largest transboundary reef in the world. The team is now exploring ways to fund their efforts through sustainable aquaculture and selling the crabs as a delicacy to local restaurants.
