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 squat lobster

   Scientific name: Allogalathea elegans
3. 
   Common name: Blueband Hermit Crab

   Scientific name: Calcinus californiensis
4. 
   Common name: Electric Blue hermit crab

   Scientific name: Calcinus elegans
5. 
   Common name: Hawaiian hermit

   Scientific name: Calcinus laevimanus
6. Common name: orangeclaw hermit

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

   Scientific name: Camposcia retusa
8. 
   Common name: Variable Coral Crab

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

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

    Scientific name: Chirostylus dolichopus
11. 
    Common name: Halloween hermit crab

    Scientific name: Ciliopagurus strigatus
12. 
    Common name: Mexican Red-Leg Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Clibanarius digueti
13. 
    Common name: Blue-legged Hermit Crab

    Scientific name: Clibanarius rutilus
14. 
    Common name: tricolor hermit

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

    Scientific name: Cyclocoeloma tuberculatum
16. 
    Common name: Blue-Spotted hermit crab

    Scientific name: Dardanus guttatus
17. 
    Common name: hairy red 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: Debelius reef lobster

    Scientific name: Enoplometopus debelius
21. Common name: bullseye reef lobster

    Scientific name: Enoplometopus holthuisi
22. 
    Common name: red reef lobster

    Scientific name: Enoplometopus occidentalis
23. Common name: Marley's Gnathiid

    Scientific name: Gnathia marleyi
24. 
    Common name: Egyptian sea star

    Scientific name: Gomophia egyptiaca
25. 
    Common name: Egg Cowrie

    Scientific name: Gomophia watsoni
26. 
    Common name: Peacock Mantis Shrimp

    Scientific name: Gonodactylus bredini
27. 
    Common name: anemone spider crab

    Scientific name: Inachus phalangium
28. 
    Common name: Spotted Porcelain Crab

    Scientific name: Janira maculosa
29. Common name: Rough Box Crab

    Scientific name: Latreillia valida
30. 
    Common name: Hairy squat lobster

    Scientific name: Lauriea siagiani
31. 
    Common name: Horseshoe crab

    Scientific name: Limulus polyphemus
32. 
    Common name: Harlequin Crab

    Scientific name: Lissocarcinus laevis
33. 
    Common name: sea cucumber crab

    Scientific name: Lissocarcinus orbicularis
34. 
    Common name: Mosaic Boxer Crab

    Scientific name: Lybia tessellata
35. Common name: nodose clinging crab

    Scientific name: Mithraculus coryphe
36. 
    Common name: green clinging crab

    Scientific name: Mithraculus sculptus
37. Common name: Bull Crab

    Scientific name: Naxioides taurus
38. 
    Common name: red reef hermit

    Scientific name: Paguristes cadenati
39. 
    Common name: common hermit crab

    Scientific name: Pagurus bernhardus
40. 
    Common name: Sohal Tang

    Scientific name: Paraferdina sohariae
41. 
    Common name: nimble spray crab

    Scientific name: Percnon gibbesi
42. 
    Common name: flat rock crab

    Scientific name: Percnon planissimum
43. 
    Common name: banded porcelain crab

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

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

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

    Scientific name: Pilumnus hirtellus
47. 
    Common name: common marble shrimp

    Scientific name: Saron marmoratus
48. Common name: eyespot shrimp

    Scientific name: Saron neglectus
49. 
    Common name: Yellowline Arrow Crab

    Scientific name: Stenorhynchus lanceolatus
50. 
    Common name: yellowline arrow crab

    Scientific name: Stenorhynchus seticornis
51. 
    Common name: Spotted Trapezia Crab

    Scientific name: Trapezia guttata
52. 
    Common name: Red-Spotted Coral crab

    Scientific name: Trapezia rufopunctata
53. 
    Common name: Red Spotted Coral Crab

    Scientific name: Trapezia tigrina
54. 
    Common name: Conical Spider Crab

    Scientific name: Xenocarcinus conicus
55. 
    Common name: Decorated Crab

    Scientific name: Xenocarcinus tuberculatus
56. 
    Common name: Zebra crab

    Scientific name: Zebrida adamsii