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.

1. 
   Common name: Orangutan Crab

   Scientific name: Achaeus japonicus
2. 
   Common name: Elegant Crinoid Squat Lobster

   Scientific name: Allogalathea elegans
3. 
   Common name: Red-leg Hermit Crab

   Scientific name: Calcinus californiensis
4. 
   Common name: Electric Blue Hermit Crab

   Scientific name: Calcinus elegans
5. 
   Common name: Left-handed Hermit Crab

   Scientific name: Calcinus laevimanus
6. 
   Common name: Orangeclaw Hermit Crab

   Scientific name: Calcinus tibicen
7. 
   Common name: Decorator Crab

   Scientific name: Camposcia retusa
8. 
   Common name: Convex Reef Crab

   Scientific name: Carpilius convexus
9. 
   Common name: Seven-eleven Crab

   Scientific name: Carpilius maculatus
10. 
    Common name: Squat Lobster

    Scientific name: Chirostylus dolichopus
11. 
    Common name: Halloween Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Ciliopagurus strigatus
12. 
    Common name: Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Clibanarius digueti
13. Common name: Orange-red Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Clibanarius rutilus
14. 
    Common name: Blue-legged Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Clibanarius tricolor
15. 
    Common name: Corallimorph Decorator Crab

    Scientific name: Cyclocoeloma tuberculatum
16. 
    Common name: Blue Knee Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Dardanus guttatus
17. 
    Common name: Dark Knee Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Dardanus lagopodes
18. 
    Common name: White-spotted Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Dardanus megistos
19. 
    Common name: Anemone Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Dardanus pedunculatus
20. 
    Common name: Calico Box Crab

    Scientific name: Hepatus epheliticus
21. 
    Common name: Soft Coral Crab

    Scientific name: Hoplophrys oatesii
22. 
    Common name: Leach's Spider Crab

    Scientific name: Inachus phalangium
23. 
    Common name: Banded Arrow Crab

    Scientific name: Latreillia valida
24. 
    Common name: Hairy Squat Lobster

    Scientific name: Lauriea siagiani
25. 
    Common name: Atlantic Horseshoe Crab

    Scientific name: Limulus polyphemus
26. 
    Common name: Harlequin Swimming Crab

    Scientific name: Lissocarcinus laevis
27. 
    Common name: Sea Cucumber Swimming Crab

    Scientific name: Lissocarcinus orbicularis
28. 
    Common name: Pom-pom Crab

    Scientific name: Lybia tessellata
29. 
    Common name: Nodose Clinging Crab

    Scientific name: Mithraculus coryphe
30. 
    Common name: Emerald Crab

    Scientific name: Mithraculus sculptus
31. 
    Common name: Bull Hydroid Crab

    Scientific name: Naxioides taurus
32. 
    Common name: Spotted Porcelain Crab

    Scientific name: Neopetrolisthes maculates
33. 
    Common name: Red Reef Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Paguristes cadenati
34. 
    Common name: Common Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Pagurus bernhardus
35. 
    Common name: Sally Lightfoot Crab

    Scientific name: Percnon gibbesi
36. 
    Common name: Flat Rock Crab

    Scientific name: Percnon planissimum
37. 
    Common name: Banded Porcelain Crab

    Scientific name: Petrolisthes galathinus
38. Common name: red-striped hermit

    Scientific name: Phimochirus holthuisi
39. Common name: polkadotted hermit

    Scientific name: Phimochirus operculatus
40. Common name: bristly crab

    Scientific name: Pilumnus hirtellus
41. 
    Common name: Haig's Porcelain Crab

    Scientific name: Porcellanella haigae
42. 
    Common name: Three-lobed Porcelain Crab

    Scientific name: Porcellanella triloba
43. Common name: eyespot shrimp

    Scientific name: Saron neglectus
44. 
    Common name: Common Decorator Crab

    Scientific name: Schizophrys aspera
45. 
    Common name: Yellowline Arrow Crab

    Scientific name: Stenorhynchus lanceolatus
46. 
    Common name: yellowline arrow crab

    Scientific name: Stenorhynchus seticornis
47. 
    Common name: Spotted Trapezia Crab

    Scientific name: Trapezia guttata
48. 
    Common name: Red-spotted Coral Crab

    Scientific name: Trapezia rufopunctata
49. 
    Common name: Red Spotted Coral Crab

    Scientific name: Trapezia tigrina
50. 
    Common name: Conical Spider Crab

    Scientific name: Xenocarcinus conicus
51. 
    Common name: Wire Coral Crab

    Scientific name: Xenocarcinus tuberculatus
52. 
    Common name: Zebra Urchin Crab

    Scientific name: Zebrida adamsii