Crabs
Crabs are fascinating and diverse invertebrates that can make interesting additions to a saltwater aquarium. They belong to the order Decapoda and are known for their distinctive exoskeletons and pincers (chelae). Crabs come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them appealing to hobbyists. Some popular types of crabs kept in aquariums include Diogenidae, Mithracidae, and Porcellanidae. Each species has unique behaviors and requirements, so it's essential to research their specific needs before adding them to your tank.
Crabs play a crucial role in the aquarium ecosystem by helping to keep the tank clean. Many species are scavengers, feeding on detritus, algae, and leftover food, which helps to maintain water quality. However, it's important to note that some crabs can be aggressive or predatory, potentially harming other tank inhabitants such as fish, corals, or smaller invertebrates. Therefore, compatibility with existing tank mates should be carefully considered.
When keeping crabs, providing adequate hiding spots and a suitable environment is essential. Additionally, crabs often molt, shedding their exoskeleton to grow. During this time, they are vulnerable, and it's crucial to ensure they have safe places to hide. Overall, crabs can be a rewarding addition to a saltwater aquarium, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.
Common name: Orangutan CrabScientific name: Achaeus japonicus
Common name: Elegant Crinoid Squat LobsterScientific name: Allogalathea elegans
Common name: Red-leg Hermit CrabScientific name: Calcinus californiensis
Common name: Electric Blue Hermit CrabScientific name: Calcinus elegans
Common name: Left-handed Hermit CrabScientific name: Calcinus laevimanus
Common name: Orangeclaw Hermit CrabScientific name: Calcinus tibicen
Common name: Decorator CrabScientific name: Camposcia retusa
Common name: Convex Reef CrabScientific name: Carpilius convexus
Common name: Seven-eleven CrabScientific name: Carpilius maculatus
Common name: Squat LobsterScientific name: Chirostylus dolichopus
Common name: Halloween Hermit CrabScientific name: Ciliopagurus strigatus
Common name: Dwarf Red Tip Hermit CrabScientific name: Clibanarius digueti- Common name: Orange-red Hermit CrabScientific name: Clibanarius rutilus
Common name: Blue-legged Hermit CrabScientific name: Clibanarius tricolor
Common name: Corallimorph Decorator CrabScientific name: Cyclocoeloma tuberculatum
Common name: Blue Knee Hermit CrabScientific name: Dardanus guttatus
Common name: Dark Knee Hermit CrabScientific name: Dardanus lagopodes
Common name: White-spotted Hermit CrabScientific name: Dardanus megistos
Common name: Anemone Hermit CrabScientific name: Dardanus pedunculatus
Common name: Calico Box CrabScientific name: Hepatus epheliticus
Common name: Soft Coral CrabScientific name: Hoplophrys oatesii
Common name: Leach's Spider CrabScientific name: Inachus phalangium
Common name: Banded Arrow CrabScientific name: Latreillia valida
Common name: Hairy Squat LobsterScientific name: Lauriea siagiani
Common name: Atlantic Horseshoe CrabScientific name: Limulus polyphemus
Common name: Harlequin Swimming CrabScientific name: Lissocarcinus laevis
Common name: Sea Cucumber Swimming CrabScientific name: Lissocarcinus orbicularis
Common name: Pom-pom CrabScientific name: Lybia tessellata
Common name: Nodose Clinging CrabScientific name: Mithraculus coryphe
Common name: Emerald CrabScientific name: Mithraculus sculptus
Common name: Bull Hydroid CrabScientific name: Naxioides taurus
Common name: Spotted Porcelain CrabScientific name: Neopetrolisthes maculates
Common name: Red Reef Hermit CrabScientific name: Paguristes cadenati
Common name: Common Hermit CrabScientific name: Pagurus bernhardus
Common name: Sally Lightfoot CrabScientific name: Percnon gibbesi
Common name: Flat Rock CrabScientific name: Percnon planissimum
Common name: Banded Porcelain CrabScientific name: Petrolisthes galathinus
Common name: Red-stripe Hermit CrabScientific name: Phimochirus holthuisi
Common name: Polkadotted HermitScientific name: Phimochirus operculatus
Common name: Bristly CrabScientific name: Pilumnus hirtellus
Common name: Haig's Porcelain CrabScientific name: Porcellanella haigae
Common name: Three-lobed Porcelain CrabScientific name: Porcellanella triloba
Common name: Common Decorator CrabScientific name: Schizophrys aspera
Common name: Arrow CrabScientific name: Stenorhynchus lanceolatus
Common name: Yellowline Arrow CrabScientific name: Stenorhynchus seticornis
Common name: Bird's Nest Coral CrabScientific name: Trapezia guttata
Common name: Red-spotted Coral CrabScientific name: Trapezia rufopunctata
Common name: Red-spotted Guard CrabScientific name: Trapezia tigrina
Common name: Conical Spider CrabScientific name: Xenocarcinus conicus
Common name: Wire Coral CrabScientific name: Xenocarcinus tuberculatus
Common name: Zebra Urchin CrabScientific name: Zebrida adamsii