Top 9 Crabs You”ll Want in Your Aquarium

Fascinating animals, crabs can add a special charm to your aquarium. They are a well-liked option for both novice and expert aquarists due to their vivid colors, peculiar behaviors, and range of sizes. There’s a crab out there that’s ideal for your tank, regardless of your preferences: small and gregarious or larger and sportier.

But not every aquarium setup is appropriate for every type of crab. While some species tend to be more peaceful, others may nip at your fish or cause trouble for your plants. It’s critical to select the proper kind of crab that will flourish in your particular setting and not bother the other residents.

The top 9 crabs that you might want to think about getting for your aquarium are discussed in this article. These crabs have been selected because they are easy to care for, adapt to a range of tank conditions, and get along well with other aquatic animals. These crabs might be the ideal addition to your setup, whether you’re building up a new tank or just want to add something unique.

Crab Species	Description
Red Claw Crab	A small, colorful crab with red-tipped claws, suitable for brackish water setups.
Fiddler Crab	Known for its oversized claw, this crab is easy to care for and fun to watch.
Pom Pom Crab	A peaceful, small crab that carries pom-pom-like anemones on its claws.
Panther Crab	A larger, active crab with a striking spotted pattern, ideal for freshwater tanks.
Thai Micro Crab	Tiny and peaceful, this crab is perfect for nano tanks with gentle fish.
Halloween Moon Crab	A brightly colored crab with orange and purple hues, best kept in a semi-aquatic setup.
Vampire Crab	A vividly colored crab with purple body and orange eyes, great for small paludariums.
Rainbow Crab	A large, active crab with a bright, multi-colored shell, needs space and a varied diet.
Mandarin Crab	A peaceful, small crab with beautiful green and orange patterns, good for community tanks.

Features of Keeping Crabs in a Home Aquarium

You should familiarize yourself with the aspects of crab care before acquiring any. For the most part, they require more than just an aquatic habitat. Since they ought to have access to land, an aquaterrarium is the ideal arrangement.

It blends a paludarium terrarium with a standard aquarium. This kind of backyard pond can be structured and requires more upkeep. For this reason, novices seldom choose to keep crabs in aquariums.

Advantages and disadvantages

The primary justifications for buying:

• longer lifespan compared to fish;
• undemanding in maintenance and care;
• unpretentiousness in feeding;
• can live as solitary hermits;
• do not need a large container;
• are highly decorative;
• have interesting habits, are the object of observation and study;
• inexpensive.

Crabs don’t have many drawbacks.

• you should carefully monitor the cleanliness of the water;
• you need to control the pH of the environment;
• do not touch the animal with your hands.

A major issue with raising and domesticating crabs is the near total absence of expert knowledge. A novice enthusiast of aquarium exotics cannot receive professional advice on pet care from even pet store sellers.

Difficulty of maintenance

Both expert and novice aquarium keepers observe how modest crustaceans are. However, they require more than just basic upkeep and care. Crabs require environments that are close to nature. It is imperative that:

• change the water often;
• wash the soil, getting rid of food debris;
• monitor the mineral composition of the water, its pH, so as not to spoil the shell;

• Correctly equip the aquarium in order to give the cancerous freedom of movement, the possibility of air stay;
• ensure shelter;
• maintain air humidity.

All devices must be placed outside of the aquarium, t. To. Cables and tubes can be harmed by sharp claws.

Because arthropods are skilled "acrobats" and can escape the container, we also need a lid.

Sushi selection and pool plant selection can be challenging at times.

Crabs enjoy undermining roots and biting branches.

Life expectancy on average

Crabs can grow to enormous sizes and live up to 20 years in the wild. The average life expectancy in captivity is three to four years. They can survive for five to six years with seasoned aquarists under ideal circumstances.

Crustaceans have varying life spans depending on both their type and content conditions.

Varieties of crabs

Crabs come in over 6780 varieties in the wild, but not all of them are good for keeping in an aquarium.

Lover of mangroves

Southeast Asia is home to the red mangrove crab (Pseudosesarma moeshi). It can survive for a very long time without water and thrives in the warm, humid climate of mangroves. It occasionally stray onto sandy beaches in quest of food.

Male adults measure 4 cm, while female adults measure 3 cm. Their vivid hues draw people in:

pincers – red with lemon-yellow fingers.

Ideal air and water temperatures are +25… +27 °C and +24… +25 °C, respectively. It can survive in fresh or salt water, but salted water is best for the shell’s health.

Dwarf spider crab

The smallest member of the crustacean family is this one. Adult carapace size ranges from 10 to 15 mm. The Limnopilos naiyanetri crab is small and has an unremarkable appearance. Its body is translucent and has feathery, spider-like legs. Its color is gray.

The animal filters water and collects tiny food particles with the help of thick hairs on its limbs and claws. inhabits freshwater that is stagnant.

Because of its calm disposition, the spider crab gets along well with herbivorous, placid fish in an aquarium.

Its small size allows it to reside in a nano aquarium. It is appropriate for landscape gardens and Dutch aquariums because it doesn’t harm plants.

Freshwater Dutch crab

The Dutch crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisi tridentate) is an additional species of freshwater crab representative. Diameter of carapace: 2.5 cm. lacks contrast in hue, possessing a subtle olive-brown or dark brown hue that borders on black.

Loves sandy soil, where it can easily burrow itself, and lots of plants that provide cover during the day. It also requires more substantial hiding places, such as grottoes, stones, and snags. does not clash with fish, but it fights with its brethren for territory.

Good-natured "red devil"

Magnificent red devil crab (Geosesarma) in stark contrast to the tranquil surroundings.

It gets along well with shrimp and newts, as well as other peaceful underwater inhabitants.

It is tiny (3-5 cm) and has a distinctive hue.

Coal-black paint has been applied to the limbs, sides, and mask; the color is the same.

The remainder of the body is a vivid red color.

It would do well in an aquaterrarium with a sizable area covered in mosses and marsh plants. high air humidity (100%) is required.

Malawian Blue Crab

Native to Lake Malawi in Africa, the Malawian crab (Potomonautes Lirrangensis) is called Nyasa. The deep blue hue of the upper body makes it valuable. It shimmers purple in reflected and artificial light. The bottom portion is either dark brown or cherry in color. Red splotches or stripes on the appendages.

Malawian The size of the crab is enormous: the length of the limbs is 10 cm, the diameter of the male carapace is 12 cm, and the female carapace is 10 cm.

A combative personality. He fights with every aquarium inhabitant on a regular basis. Regardless of gender, it clashes with its peers as well.

Geosesarma dennerle (vampire crab)

The name "vampire crab" refers to this stunning crustacean. It inhabits both freshwater habitats and the land. Size of carapace: 2.5–3 cm.

Its coloring—the eyes are orange and the body is a rich lilac—led to its rise in popularity.

It is a great neighbor for fish and amphibians because of its tranquil nature and tolerance for all of the reservoir’s inhabitants.

Geosesarma Sp. yellow vampire

Originating from Malaysia and Indonesia, geosesarma inhabit the jungles near small ponds and streams that are distant from the sea. They are mostly nocturnal, though you can see them during the day if you don’t disturb them.

Achieve a size of 5 to 7 cm. legs comprised. Coexist in small groups within a terrarium. Like other crabs, males are possessive. With dendrobats, they can coexist.

The ideal habitat

-Terrarium: it can be kept in swamps as long as there is always a watery area for the young and moulting. It ought to completely envelop their body. For single crabs, they can be housed in a 20 x 20 x 20 tank; for 7-8 crabs, the tank should be larger than 60 cm. Planting them in large quantities is both possible and advised in order to allow them to climb, hide, and establish territories. The same rationale applies when placing dried leaves on the ground. Although there are numerous alternatives, coconut fiber can be employed as a substrate.

-Temperature: 20 to 24ºC at night and 24 to 28ºC during the day.

-Humidity range: 80–100%

-Water: in order for them to correctly form their shells, their kh value must be greater than 8.

-Lighting: It hasn’t been demonstrated, but some people say UV light works for them.

Pacific indigo (rainbow crab)

The stunning coloring of the rainbow crab (Cardisoma armatum) sets it apart: the limbs are orange, while the carapace is blue (indigo) or purple.

A protective beige paint is applied to the lower body. In the wild, the crab can reach a length of 20 cm, while in captivity, its maximum growth is 8–10 cm. The stunning color of Pacific indigo is not the only thing that sets it apart; it can live up to 8 or 10 years.

The majority of the crustacean’s life is spent on land. In the process of molting or reproducing, it falls into the water. It does well in brackish as well as fresh water. It fights for food, territory, and a female.

Panther freshwater crab

Within aquaristics, the king leopard crab (Parathelphusa Pantherina) is one of the most well-known species. Indonesia’s freshwater bodies serve as the habitat.

Its distinctive pattern—dark brown dots scattered on a beige-orange background in varying diameters—gave rise to its name.

The shell has a diameter of 3–4 cm, and when the limbs are added on, it measures 12 cm. They would rather live in families or alone. It takes two to three females for every male to stop intraspecific aggression.

Adding crabs to your aquarium will increase its variety and excitement factor. With their distinctive looks and behaviors, these fascinating animals have the potential to steal the show in your aquatic habitat. It’s crucial to select the nine crabs that best suit your tank setup and experience level because each of them has a unique personality and set of care requirements.

Always take into account the conditions that crabs require to thrive in your aquarium as well as how well they get along with other fish in your tank when choosing them. While some crabs are exclusively aquatic, others like to explore small areas of land. The crabs and the rest of your aquatic life will coexist peacefully if you are aware of their needs.

There’s a crab out there that can become an enticing addition to your tank, whether you’re drawn to the vivid colors of the Red Claw Crab or the unusual appearance of the Pom Pom Crab. You’ll soon be able to enjoy the vibrant and captivating presence of these incredible creatures in your aquarium if you take your time in your research and preparation.

Are you looking to fill your aquarium with some unusual and fascinating animals? Meet the top 9 crabs that are a must-have for any aquarium enthusiast. They not only add personality and brilliant color to your tank, but they also keep the aquatic environment healthy.

Video on the topic

How much does a dwarf spider crab cost 🦀 #crabs #aquarium #crab #aquarium#spider crab#shorts

Haven"t seen crabs for a long time . Confess, have you noticed any changes?🤔 #aquarium #crabs #crab #aquarium

What to give a crab for tasting? #crab #crabsalad #aquarium #petshop #pet

WE DON"T KNOW HOW THIS HAPPENED! 😭 #crabvampire crab at home

Top 3 most popular crab.