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Crabs List for your Aquarium ....

 

courtesy to : www.liveaquaria.com ..

 

 

1-Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab 

(Clibanarius sp.)

 

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size: 1"

Color Form: Red

Diet: Herbivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Mexico

Family: Diogenidae

 

Found in nearly all marine environments, Crabs can range from less than an inch to over 12 inches in diameter. Crabs are scavengers of any type of edible matter they find, providing an invaluable "cleaner" function, consuming both undesirable algae and detritus while mixing the sand.

 

 

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The Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab is a voracious scavenger. Like its Blue Leg cousin, the Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab serves as an ideal member of your marine or reef aquarium's cleanup crew. Also known simply as the Red Tip Hermit Crab, this omnivore will scavenge all over your live rock and sand substrate - finding its way into the tightest of spaces - to feed on algae and detritus.

 

Like other members of this genus, the Red Tip Hermit Crab has claws of equal size and, for this reason, members of this genus are sometimes called "Equal-handed Hermit Crabs." Native to the coastal water surrounding Mexico, the Red Tip has a bright red face and legs. In the home aquarium it does best in saltwater reef or fish-only systems with sand substrates in which they can forage and dig. Its feeding methods also help aerate the sand bed and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. The Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab should ideally be kept in a well-established system with plenty of algae and live rock to graze upon.

 

Making its home in abandoned snail shells of various size and shape, be sure to offer empty shells to accommodate the growth of these small members of the Diogenidae family. Additionally, offer dried seaweed if algae levels are insufficient. Like other invertebrates, care needs to be taken during the acclimation process to prevent pH shock. Also, take special care to ensure an invertebrate-friendly environment free of predators and copper-based medications.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1"

 

 

2-Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab

Paguristes cadenati 

 

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size: 1½"

Color Form: Red, Yellow

Diet: Herbivore, Omnivore

Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Caribbean, Indonesia

Family: Diogenidae

 

 

It is easy to see why the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab is one of the most popular reef maintenance animals. Paguristes cadenati is very hardy and requires minimal care in a well-established system. More importantly, however, these small hermit crabs have a voracious appetite for detritus and algae. In fact, they are particularly fond of nuisance algae of the filamentous, hair, and slime varieties, as well as cyanobacteria. Finally, unlike some hermit crabs, most Scarlet Reef Hermit Crabs are very peaceful towards their tankmates.

 

Also known as the Red Reef or Red Legged Hermit Crab, the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab is named for its bright red legs, which are contrasted by their yellow face. Native to the reef faces and coral rubble of the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, these active scavengers can consume large amounts of animal matter and algae. Despite their large appetites and constant feeding habits, the Scarlet Reef only grows to an adult size of 1-1/2" in length.

 

In the home aquarium, Paguristes cadenati is best kept in an established reef system with ample algae supplies. However, they will eat almost anything, including fish food and invertebrate diets. If algae levels are insufficient, supplement their diet with dried seaweed and other marine foods.

 

Like other hermit crabs, an ample supply of empty shells should be available for the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab to move into as they molt and grow. As with all invertebrates, they do not tolerate copper-based medications and extreme fluctuations in water parameters. Also, take special care to ensure an invertebrate-friendly environment free of predators.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1"

 

3-Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab

 Clibanarius sp. 

 

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size: 1"

Color Form: Yellow

Diet: Herbivore

Origin: Vietnam

Family: Diogenidae

 

 

The Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab is one of the more uniquely colored members of the Diogenidae family. The bright yellow bands on its green to black legs add a pop of color to this member of your aquarium's reef-safe cleanup crew. Like its Blue Leg and Red Tip cousins, the Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab is a voracious eater of nuisance algae and cyanobacteria. Plus, its small size allows it to forage and scavenge in the tightest of locations amongst live rock.

 

Native to the coastal waters surrounding Vietnam, the Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab has claws of equal size and lives in abandoned snail shells. As the Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab sifts through substrate in search of food, it helps clean and aerate aquarium substrate. This activity helps reduce substrate compaction and promotes beneficial bacteria growth and function. Ideally, the Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab should be kept in a well-established system with plenty of algae and live rock on which to graze.

 

To accommodate the growth of this small, reef-safe hermit crab, supply empty snail shells of various sizes and shapes. Also, feed dried seaweed if algae levels within your aquarium are insufficient. The Dwarf Yellow Tip Hermit Crab does best in established aquariums with a sand substrate in which it can forage and dig. Like other invertebrates, care needs to be taken with the use of medications, as well as during the acclimation process to prevent pH shock.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1"

4-Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab

 Calcinus laevimanus 

 

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size: 1"

Color Form: Black, Blue, Orange

Diet: Herbivore

Origin: Hawaii, Pacific Ocean

Family: Diogenidae

 

 

The Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab is one of the most popular hermit crabs for the home marine aquarium. It gets its name from its distinct coloration. Calcinus laevimanus is named for its black and white pincers and the white bands that dress its otherwise dark legs. Like other members of the genus Calcinus, the Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab also has long eyestalks. However, this particular crab's eyestalks are a brilliant blue and fades into an orange-tinged upper half.

 

Also known as the Hawaiian Reef or Left-Handed Hermit Crab, the Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab is very small but boasts an enlarged left claw. If attacked by a predator or threatened, the Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab backs into its shell and uses the large left claw to block and defend the entrance to its shell. The Dwarf Zebra is found in the inter-tidal areas across the Indo-Pacific from Africa to Australia to Hawaii.

 

Since they scavenge for detritus and consume nuisance algae, including red slime algae (cyanobacteria), the Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab is a highly desired addition to the home reef aquarium. If there are insufficient algae in the aquarium, their diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed. Like other invertebrates, care needs to be taken with the use of medications. Additionally, strict water parameters must be maintained. Be sure to accommodate their growth by supplying empty shells of various size and shape.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/4" to 3/4"

5-Emerald Crab  

Mithraculus sculptus 

 

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size: 2½"

Color Form: Green

Diet: Omnivore

Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Caribbean

Family: Majidae

 

 

The Emerald Crab is well respected for its scavenging ability. It will enthusiastically feed on uneaten meaty foods and many types of nuisance algae. Unlike many other animals, Mithraculus sculptus will eat bubble algae and helps clean your aquarium of these algae. Its distinct, flat shiny green body and hairy legs easily identify the Emerald Crab.

 

Native to the reefs of the Caribbean, the Emerald Crab is nocturnal and hides in caves and amongst rubble during the day. In the home aquarium, this member of the Majidae family requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places. Once familiar with its surroundings, the Emerald Crab will venture out of hiding during the day to forage on algae.

 

Care needs to be taken to ensure an ample supply of food is available for the Emerald Crab. Many aquarists supplement the Emerald Crab's diet with dried seaweed and chopped meaty foods, such as shrimp, as well as a quality pellet fish food.

 

Otherwise, this opportunistic feeder may turn to corals, invertebrates, or small fish for a food source. However, when well fed, most Emerald Crabs are very tolerant of their tankmates and highly compatible in reef environments. Like other invertebrates, the Emerald Crab does not tolerate copper-based medications or fluctuating water parameters.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1-1/2"

6-Arrow Crab

 Stenorhynchus seticornis 

 

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size: 6"

Color Form: Red, Tan

Diet: Carnivore

Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Caribbean, Mexico

Family: Majidae

 

 

The Arrow Crab, also known as the Spider Crab, has extremely long legs. It is called the Arrow Crab because of the shape of the body and head. The size is variable, many reaching six inches, and some up to 10 inches. Females may be dramatically smaller. Different species inhabit different parts of the world. The most common Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis) comes from the Caribbean, but other species are imported from the Indo-Pacific region, eastern Africa, and California. They normally inhabit portions of the reef usually associated with a small cave or crevice.

 

It is a hardy, long-lived invertebrate, that can be housed in the reef aquarium. This crab has been known to attack crustaceans such as Banded Coral Shrimp, and may even attack small slow moving fish. All crabs are opportunistic feeders and if insufficient food is present they may pick at mushrooms or polyps searching for food. Breeding Arrow Crabs in the aquarium is not generally successful. Larvae are free-swimming and hatch in about two weeks. It will accept almost all meaty, flake and tablet foods.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/4" 4"

 

 

7-Decorator Arrow Crab  

 Stenorhynchus sp 

 

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 6"

Color Form: Green

Diet: Carnivore

Origin: Caribbean

Family: Majidae

 

 

The Decorator Arrow Crab, also known as the Spider Crab, has extremely long legs. It is called the Arrow Crab because of the shape of the body and head. The size is variable, many reaching six inches, and some up to 10 inches. Females may be dramatically smaller. This Arrow Crab camouflages itself by picking parts of algae, small rocks and even corals and attaches them to itself.

 

Different species inhabit different parts of the world. The most common Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis) comes from the Caribbean, but other species are imported from the Indo-Pacific region, eastern Africa, and California. They normally inhabit portions of the reef usually associated with a small cave or crevice.

 

It is a hardy, long-lived invertebrate, that can be housed in the reef aquarium. This crab has been known to attack crustaceans such as Banded Coral Shrimp, and may even attack small slow moving fish. All crabs are opportunistic feeders and if insufficient food is present they may pick at mushrooms or polyps searching for food. Breeding Arrow Crabs in the aquarium is not generally successful. Larvae are free-swimming and hatch in about two weeks. It will accept almost all meaty, flake and tablet foods.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 3"

 

 

10-Hermit Crab with Anemone  

Dardanus spp. 

 

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size: 4"

Diet: Omnivore

Origin: Hawaii, Indian Ocean

Family: Diogenidae

 

 

 

 

8 -Electric Orange Hermit Crab (Calcinus cf elegans)

9-Halloween Hermit Crab (Ciliopagurus strigatus)

 

 (( Please check the Same information above for Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crab-Calcinus laevimanus))

 

 

Three Hermit Crabs of the Dardanus sp. have formed a symbiotic relationship with the anemone Calliactis polypuswith which it shares a home: D. pedunculatus (Indian Ocean), D. tinctor (Red Sea), and D. deformis (Great Barrier Reef).

 

The anemone attached to the shell provides camouflage, protection, and the two invertebrates share food. In the wild, when the crab moves the anemone about the reef, it helps the anemones disperse. When the crab outgrows its shell, it will leave it behind and find a new, larger shell and transfer the anemone on to it or select a larger anemone.

 

This Hermit Crab prefers an aquarium with large amounts of stable rock work and dim light. The Hermit Crab is aggressive and makes a poor candidate for a reef or peaceful fish aquarium. It will eat fish, snails, and worms, but also detritus and some algae. As it grows, it will need larger shells, therefore multiple sizes of gastropod shells should be available to it.

 

If there is insufficient algae to eat, dried seaweed should be provided. Molluscs, worms, and other meaty items can be provided.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2"; Large: 2" to 4"

 

 

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