9 types of aquarium crabs

Because of their distinctive appearance and fascinating habits, crabs can make a fascinating addition to an aquarium. Although many people are accustomed to seeing fish or shrimp in aquariums, crabs offer something a little unique to the underwater environment. Their diverse range of forms, dimensions, and hues renders them an enjoyable choice for aquaria connoisseurs.

It’s crucial to educate yourself on crabs before introducing them to your tank. Certain crabs are suited for freshwater aquariums, but others require a combination of fresh and saltwater to be healthy. Furthermore, some species may require particular environmental conditions or exhibit increased aggression. A happy and healthy setup for your aquarium depends on choosing the right kind of crab.

We’ll look at nine common kinds of aquarium crabs in this post. Each one has unique qualities and maintenance needs, so you can choose the one that will work best for your tank. There is a crab that will work well in your aquarium, whether your preferences are for something smaller and more tranquil or bigger and more energetic.

Description

Included in the class of Higher Cancers, crabs and other short-tailed crayfish are a detachment from the subtype Crustacea. The remains were found among Jurassic period fossils. They still resemble their ancestors and have barely changed in appearance. Nearly everywhere in the world is home to these arthropods.

Crayfish and crabs are related. Their distinction lies in the lack of an external abdomen, terminating in a tail. Although they have an abdomen, it is beneath the chest and is excessively small. On land, a tail would impede mobility.

These crustaceans have bodies that range in size from 4 to 35 cm, depending on the particular species. Strong claws, which are intended for cleaning the body, hunting, and protection, set this animal apart from others. Arthropods need four extra pairs of limbs to move. Two small, immature limbs that are close to the mouth aid in food absorption.

Seldom do they reside on land; instead, they are found in rivers, seas, and oceans. They can crawl along the bottom and swim in the water column.

The majority of species have brown-green shells. However, different species’ body colors vary depending on their habitat. Sand-bottom dwellers are golden-beige in color, while those who enjoy hiding in algae are light green. There are a variety of coral reef representatives.

More and more people are keeping arthropods as pets in aquariums. However, they do not get along well with other underwater residents, not even with members of their own family. It’s preferable to leave them alone.

How long do they live

Crabs can live anywhere from three to six years.

Types of aquarium crabs

Certain aspects of care, feeding, and reproduction are better for each type of aquarium crab. As a result, be sure to consider the type of crab you are purchasing when making your purchase.

Let’s think about the most popular types of crabs.

Red mangrove

In the wild, the red mangrove species is found in the reservoirs of South Asia. This kind of crab is found in backwaters with sand bottoms and along sandy shorelines. Because thickets of mangrove forests are its preferred place to live, it earned the moniker "mangrove."

This species’ shells vary in hue from burgundy to dark brown. With the exception of the claws, the limbs are the same color as the shell. The paint on the claws is a deep red that lightens as it goes on. Measuring just a few centimeters in length, it is tiny.

You will need a small aquaterrarium that is 35 by 35 cm with a water height of 10-15 cm for one individual red mangrove species. 20% or more of the aquaterrarium’s total volume should be made up of land. lives best in water that is a little bit salted. Not overly susceptible to the acidity and hardness of the water. Conflicts and skirmishes between the mangrove crabs will inevitably arise when multiples are kept.

The habitat for the pet needs to have a lid on it. Given the agility with which the red mangrove species is distinguished, this measure is imperative. It can leap out and climb rocks and logs with ease.

Does not procreate outside of its natural habitat.

Dutch

The Caspian, Azov, and Holland seas are home to the Dutch species. This species is a good choice for novice crab owners. They require little upkeep. During molting, their environmental needs are not overly demanding. The ideal lifespan is between 2.5 and 3 years.

The size of the Dutch species is small. An adult can reach a length of 3-5 cm. The shell has a deep color scheme.

Since the Dutch crab is a freshwater species, its aquarium’s water is kept unsalted. The species doesn’t act very hostile. They are able to coexist with other fish as a result. Other inhabitants should ideally spend the majority of their time in the middle and upper water layers. Conflicts will be less likely as a result. They defend their territory and act aggressively toward other representatives.

Their behavior as pests to plants sets them apart. The lower leaves are torn off and roots are dug up by these short-tailed crayfish. Use potent plants or artificial plants with strong root systems.

Don’t make reproduction dependent on particular circumstances. The eggs take a month to incubate. Following this, the larvae hatch, and within a few days, they grow into tiny, millimeter-sized replicas of their parents.

Dwarf

The backwaters of Thailand and its neighboring countries are a natural habitat. Among all the invertebrates, this species is thought to be the smallest. A mature specimen can grow to a size of 0.5–1.3 cm. It is referred to as a spider crab, or micro spider, due to its small size. inhabits bodies of freshwater. The average lifespan is 1.5–2 years.

Representatives of the dwarf race are not distinguished by vivid colors. They have a gray or slightly greenish body. The body is covered in fluff, or tiny hairs. They assist in filtering water and locating food particles at the bottom.

Maintaining the crab is not hard. For dwarf species, an 8–10 liter container works well. able to get along with various fish. However, fish that are predatory and aggressive will hunt for a small arthropod. It is preferable to set up a separate tank in this situation. They are in motion at night. They hide in plants and shelters the rest of the time.

Raise the temperature to 28–30 degrees for breeding. The larvae hatch a month after mating. Special care is not required for the babies.

Rainbow

Because of its vibrant multicolored coloring and ease of maintenance, the rainbow crab is the most popular pet among crustaceans. Other names for it include tricolor, land, indigo, and patriot. It is found along the Pacific Ocean’s coasts in their native habitat.

The rainbow species has a pale purple or deep blue shell. The body’s lower portion is light beige. They have dark orange limbs. The claws are either weakly or not colored at all on the outside. The adult representatives are 20 cm in size on average.

Rainbow ambassadors are arbitrary and picky about their treatment. They’ll require a sizable aquaterrarium that takes up a lot of the land. There must be a minimum quantity of water area. The rainbow species lives entirely on land during its molting and reproductive cycles, and it only enters the water for these events.

At home, it doesn’t reproduce.

Vampire

Aquarists are drawn to the vampire crab because of its unusual appearance. The head, limbs, and shell are all vivid purple in color. The background is contrasted with orange eyes. 1.5–3 cm around the body. They can be found in the wild in rivers and freshwater habitats in Asia, India, and the Hawaiian islands of Java.

A 30–40 liter terrarium or aquaterrarium works well for housing multiple representatives. They prefer to eat the decaying lower portion of sphagnum moss in its natural habitat. They eat small insects and crustacean-specific food at home.

Vampires get along well with other animals and don’t act aggressively or territorially.

They have poor tolerance for acclimatization. Vampires occasionally pass away while molting. The body’s need for vitamins and nutrients to rebuild itself is the cause of this.

Red devil

It inhabits southern Asia in the wild. The name "red devil" refers to the particular color of its body. The muzzle, sides, and limbs are all black. The rich red claws, shell spots, and head stand out in stark contrast against this background.

This crustacean’s appearance truly leaves a repulsive impression. However, it is a non-aggressive and peaceful species. It gets along well with calm fish. 3–5 cm in length.

There is a small water area in the aquaterrarium or paludarium. The remainder is set aside for dry land use. Put some vegetation on it. 95% to 95% of the air is humid.

Malawian

The original habitat of the Malawian species gave rise to its name. Eastern Africa’s Lake Malawi is home to a large population of them.

The shell and limbs are predominantly blue-blue in color. The body’s lower regions are burgundy or brown in color. The length of the claws is 5-7 cm, and the shell measures 10–12 cm.

The Malawian species is fierce and able to both capture and defend new territory during conflicts. As a result, it is kept private. In the natural habitat, it gets along well with Malawian fish.

This species can move small stones and construct slides with them because it is quite strong. The crab can get out of the tank if there isn’t a cover or a net to keep it safe.

These crustaceans need very little animal protein because feeding them too much will make them very aggressive.

Ritropanopeus Black Sea

The Dutch crab, Ritropanopeus Black Sea, was initially found along Holland’s coast. It was later found to also reside in the Don River and the coastal regions of the Black and Caspian Seas.

With a body size of only 4 cm, Ritropanopeus is not a big animal. With small spots to bury itself in the sand and conceal itself in the mud, the body has a brownish-brown color. The body’s lower portion weighs significantly less.

Pets that are quickly acclimated to their surroundings and unpretentious are known as dutiful Dutch crabs. Their peaceful disposition sets them apart; disputes only surface during the mating season.

You’ll need a large aquaterrarium for the Dutch. with an abundance of aquatic plants.

They have good home reproduction. Seawater, or salt water with a composition similar to that of seawater, is essential for successful breeding. The eggs will be lost in water that is either fresh or slightly salted.

Royal Leopard

In Indonesia, freshwater bodies are home to a species of crab known as the royal leopard or panther crab. Due to the way it looks, it is named Leopard. The body’s predominant color is pale beige. Tiny dark spots cover the entire body, excluding the bottom. reaches a maximum growth of 12 cm.

The calmness of the King Crab’s disposition does not set it apart. It will bravely protect its home when faced with other creatures.

Unlike certain other species, representatives of leopards do not require dry land. In aquariums, they lead peaceful lives. Arthropod-friendly plants should be planted in the aquarium in sufficient numbers.

Type of Crab	Description
Red Claw Crab	Small, colorful crab with red claws, known for being semi-aquatic and needing both land and water.
Panther Crab	A spotted crab with a unique pattern, very active and requires a large tank.
Fiddler Crab	Recognizable by its large claw, often seen waving it in displays of dominance.
Thai Micro Crab	Very small and peaceful, this crab is delicate and ideal for planted tanks.
Rainbow Crab	Brightly colored crab that grows large and needs both water and dry land to thrive.
Vampire Crab	Striking in appearance with purple and orange hues, this crab prefers a mix of water and land.
Pom Pom Crab	Known for its "pom poms" on its claws, this small crab is social and active in aquariums.
Blue Arm Crab	This crab features vibrant blue claws and requires a spacious tank for its active nature.
Gold Claw Crab	A small crab with gold-colored claws, ideal for community aquariums with peaceful species.

Aquarium crabs can give any tank a special and intriguing touch. They distinguish themselves from the conventional fish and plant arrangements with their striking appearances and intriguing behaviors. Crabs are a rewarding addition to the aquarium, whether you are interested in their vivid colors, complex patterns, or inquisitive habits.

There are many species to choose from, and some are better suited for novice aquarists than others. Every variety of crab, from the tiny Fiddler Crab to the vibrant Rainbow Crab, adds unique characteristics to the tank. Maintaining their health and happiness requires understanding their unique requirements for food, water, and space.

Crabs provide diversity to the ecosystem in your aquarium and improve its aesthetic appeal. These fascinating animals can coexist peacefully in your tank with fish and plants if given the right care, producing a healthy, dynamic environment. Therefore, aquarium crabs might be the ideal addition to your aquatic setup if you’re ready to try something new.

While aquarium crabs are fascinating animals that can infuse any tank with personality and excitement, it’s crucial to select the right species to ensure environmental health. This article will examine nine distinct species of aquarium crabs, stressing their individual traits, requirements for specific habitats, and behaviors. These crabs, which range from energetic scavengers to calm bottom dwellers, can improve your aquarium’s biodiversity and cleanliness at the same time. Find out which species is most likely to thrive in your tank and what characteristics make each unique.

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