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 squat lobsterScientific name: Allogalathea elegans
- Common name: Blueband Hermit CrabScientific name: Calcinus californiensis
- Common name: Electric Blue hermit crabScientific name: Calcinus elegans
- Common name: Hawaiian hermitScientific name: Calcinus laevimanus
- Common name: orangeclaw hermitScientific name: Calcinus tibicen
- Common name: Spider Decorator CrabScientific name: Camposcia retusa
- Common name: Variable Coral CrabScientific name: Carpilius convexus
- Common name: Seven-eleven CrabScientific name: Carpilius maculatus
- Common name: Spider Squat LobsterScientific name: Chirostylus dolichopus
- Common name: Halloween hermit crabScientific name: Ciliopagurus strigatus
- Common name: Mexican Red-Leg Hermit CrabScientific name: Clibanarius digueti
- Common name: Blue-legged Hermit CrabScientific name: Clibanarius rutilus
- Common name: tricolor hermitScientific name: Clibanarius tricolor
- Common name: Corallimorph Decorator CrabScientific name: Cyclocoeloma tuberculata
- Common name: Blue-Spotted hermit crabScientific name: Dardanus guttatus
- Common name: hairy red hermit crabScientific name: Dardanus lagopodes
- Common name: White-spotted hermit crabScientific name: Dardanus megistos
- Common name: Anemone Hermit CrabScientific name: Dardanus pedunculatus
- Common name: Debelius reef lobsterScientific name: Enoplometopus debelius
- Common name: bullseye reef lobsterScientific name: Enoplometopus holthuisi
- Common name: red reef lobsterScientific name: Enoplometopus occidentalis
- Common name: Marley's GnathiidScientific name: Gnathia marleyi
- Common name: Egyptian sea starScientific name: Gomophia egyptiaca
- Common name: Egg CowrieScientific name: Gomophia watsoni
- Common name: Peacock Mantis ShrimpScientific name: Gonodactylus bredini
- Common name: anemone spider crabScientific name: Inachus phalangium
- Common name: Spotted Porcelain CrabScientific name: Janira maculosa
- Common name: Rough Box CrabScientific name: Latreillia valida
- Common name: Hairy squat lobsterScientific name: Lauriea siagiani
- Common name: Horseshoe crabScientific name: Limulus polyphemus
- Common name: Harlequin CrabScientific name: Lissocarcinus laevis
- Common name: sea cucumber crabScientific name: Lissocarcinus orbicularis
- Common name: Mosaic Boxer CrabScientific name: Lybia tessellata
- Common name: nodose clinging crabScientific name: Mithraculus coryphe
- Common name: green clinging crabScientific name: Mithraculus sculptus
- Common name: Bull CrabScientific name: Naxioides taurus
- Common name: red reef hermitScientific name: Paguristes cadenati
- Common name: common hermit crabScientific name: Pagurus bernhardus
- Common name: Sohal TangScientific name: Paraferdina sohariae
- Common name: nimble spray crabScientific name: Percnon gibbesi
- Common name: flat rock crabScientific name: Percnon planissimum
- Common name: banded porcelain crabScientific name: Petrolisthes galathinus
- Common name: red-striped hermitScientific name: Phimochirus holthuisi
- Common name: polkadotted hermitScientific name: Phimochirus operculatus
- Common name: bristly crabScientific name: Pilumnus hirtellus
- Common name: common marble shrimpScientific name: Saron marmoratus
- Common name: eyespot shrimpScientific name: Saron neglectus
- Common name: Yellowline Arrow CrabScientific name: Stenorhynchus lanceolatus
- Common name: yellowline arrow crabScientific name: Stenorhynchus seticornis
- Common name: Spotted Trapezia CrabScientific name: Trapezia guttata
- Common name: Red-Spotted Coral crabScientific name: Trapezia rufopunctata
- Common name: Red Spotted Coral CrabScientific name: Trapezia tigrina
- Common name: Conical Spider CrabScientific name: Xenocarcinus conicus
- Common name: Decorated CrabScientific name: Xenocarcinus tuberculatus
- Common name: Zebra crabScientific name: Zebrida adamsii