![]() Poorly fed crabs can become highly aggressive. General Upkeep of Freshwater Crabsįreshwater crabs are easy to care for, but you do need to make sure you care for them properly. Their small size makes them great for smaller tanks, but they are social animals, and you’ll need to buy a few of them together.Ĭontact us for guidance on choosing the perfect freshwater crab for your tank. Thai micro crabs are omnivorous and will eat algae, plant matter, and small insects. However, they require specific water conditions and a varied diet to thrive in captivity. These crabs are popular in the aquarium trade due to their unique appearance and peaceful nature. They are only about the size of a penny and are known for their distinctive, spider-like appearance. They are also known for their striking colors, including shades of blue, purple, and red.Īnother popular crab species are the Thai micro crabs, also known as "false spider crabs," which are tiny freshwater crabs that are native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. They are omnivorous and can be kept in home aquariums, but require specific water conditions and a varied diet. It gets its name from the small, hair-like structures on its claws that resemble pom poms. The freshwater pom pom crab is a small species of crab found in freshwater habitats in South America. They each tend to have their own pros and cons, but all of them provide the same tank-cleaning benefits freshwater crabs are known for. There are several varieties of freshwater crabs that you can choose from. How to Choose the Perfect Freshwater Crab for Your Aquarium From leftover fish food to decaying plant food, crabs will clean up the mess and make your tank cleaner. However, they have a practical use, too.Ĭrabs are scavengers that will eat many things that cause problems in your tank. This can add a lot of variety and entertainment value to the aquarium. In a more aesthetical manner, they add a lot of color and movement to your aquarium that is differentiated from that of your fish and other crustaceans. With unique coloration and active behaviors, they are sure to bring you joy for many years.What are the Benefits of Freshwater Crabs?įreshwater crabs offer a number of benefits to your aquarium. There is no end to the creativity you have in arranging their habitat. Closing Thoughtsįreshwater and brackish crabs can be a fun project for a home aquarium. If males are kept together, the tank should be sufficiently large to allow territories otherwise, they are best kept singly with a group of females. In a community tank, they will prey on shrimp, snails, slow-swimming fish, or other crabs. In an aquarium, they are omnivores that will feed on a variety of foods. These hardy crabs are a cream or brown color with long legs and strong claws that they use to crush the shells of mollusks. Platytelphusa armata is the largest of these fully aquatic freshwater crabs and reaches an adult size of two inches (5 cm). Several species of crab are called “Tanganyika” due to their place of origin in the East African Rift Valley’s Lake Tanganyika. Some species are best kept on their own, but others can be part of a community tank.Īvoid pairing crabs with larger, predatory fish or with small, slow-swimming fish. Use a thermometer and heater to maintain the water temperature.Ĭrabs are sensitive to water quality, especially chlorine, so treat your water beforehand and always cycle the tank before adding your crab. These crabs need warm water, anywhere between 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (22-28☌). Secure the aquarium lid, so these escape artists stay put. A tank larger than the minimum size provides space for land and water features.Ĭlean the tank thoroughly before adding substrate, water, and decorations.Ĭrabs need hiding spaces, especially during their molt, so include rocks and driftwood. Select a tank that is long versus tall to allow more floor space. Tank setup varies depending on the species.Ĭonsider whether your crab is fully aquatic or semi-terrestrial and their projected adult size. Some are fully aquatic, while others inhabit unique environments involving both dry land and water, which allows endless creativity in tank setup. These little guys are not only fun to watch, but they are also easy to care for. Fish are the focus for many aquariums, what about the humble crab?
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