The plant foods include macroalgae, algae, and phytoplankton. As a result, you’ll often find them chowing down on any plant leaves they can get their claws on in the tank. However, they can experience bacterial and fungal infections. Known for its small size and vibrant red coloration, this crustacean is a favorite item in the world pet trade. You’ll be able to watch them scavenge for food and burrow around the substrate. Like other invertebrates, Red Claw Crabs will get rid of their shells as they grow.During this time, they are very vulnerable to attack. To avoid aggressive behavior as much as possible, provide the largest tank possible and utilize as many hiding spots as you can. The best scenario is a single male with one or two females. You might see some large patches of dark black on top of their heads as well. More than 120 million red crabs can be found on the rain forest floor of Christmas Island. A ph of 8. Since Asian shore crabs live along rocky shorelines and jetties, they are a very effective bait for backwater, jetty, and bridge fishing for tog. The exoskeleton (carapace) of the creature saves them from predators. Contrary to popular belief, Red Claw Crabs are not freshwater crustaceans. First of all, let’s get one thing straight: Red Claw Crabs are best kept in species-specific tanks. They’re particularly fond of brackish Java Ferns. If you go with one of these tanks, choose a model that’s about 60 centimeters, or 24 inches, wide. King crab legs are actually shorter than the snow crabâs, and are thicker with a spiky, tough-to-crack shell. The natural habitat of these red crabs is in the shallow tropical waters of the mudflats and the mangrove swamps in Asia, usually in the estuaries where the rivers flow into the sea, mixing salt and fresh water. Michael, Your email address will not be published. While they may be shy and defensive, these crabs are full of character. Size: They can have a leg span length of up to 4″ (10 cm). While they can survive in a purely freshwater tank, but they will not reach their full life expectancy unless they have some brackish water to live in. While some aquarists view this as a hassle they want to avoid, others find it an appealing challenge. These crabs create small, tight-fitting caves under the submerged rocks and wood logs, where they will hurriedly take refuge, if threatened. If you have more crabs you can do up to two more layers right on top of the first layer, sprinkling each layer with Old Bay. To give you a point of reference, it’s only about a sixth of the saltiness as pure ocean water. In this type of environment, typically the smaller crabs will live longer while some of the bigger crabs won't make it. Red-clawed crabs prefer a pH of 7.4 to 8.2. However, they’re omnivores that will accept anything you give them. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perisesarma_bidens, http://www.wetwebmedia.com/RedClawCrabF.htm, https://www.hugglepets.co.uk/red-claw-crab-fun-facts/, https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-a-Tank-for-Your-Red-Clawed-Crab. The tips may be colored orange or yellow. That is, however, if they let you watch them! Offer not valid on products in the following categories: live pets; canned, fresh or frozen foods; select cat litters. It can be a fun process that results in a beautiful aquarium setup. One great characteristic of Red Claw Crabs is that they’re very resilient against disease. Fish like Flagfish, Mollies, and larger Gobies (don’t pair them with the Bumblebee Goby) have been known to do well. However, some individuals do live longer. Are You Still Interested In This Species? It’s a safe and easy material for them to maneuver on. However, this is only possible if you’re providing them with the very best environment! The crab uses the fine hairs on the legs and claws for tasting the sand and sensing its biome. Red Clawed Fiddler Crab. Plants are good too, but Red Claw Crabs are notorious for shredding and uprooting plant leaves. Sexual Dimorphism: The males of the species are usually larger, with brighter red claws and vibrantly colored, unlike their female counterparts that are smaller in size and have darker claws. – Brackish water (can also survive in freshwater), – Aggressive and a great climber, it is to be ensured that the tank has a lid, – Not recommended keeping too many males in a single tank since it might end in territorial aggression; 1 male:3 females is the recommended number; for keeping other water creatures like fish, slow-moving ones and bottom-dwellers are not advisable, Your email address will not be published. Temperament: Peaceful. © 2020 (Animal Spot). Crabs kept as pets can live longer than crabs in the wild when they are properly cared for. The mating of these crabs has not yet been clear; however, the process of mating can occur around the year, seasonally. It was first seen off Egyptian waters in the 1940s, but reports of blue crab sightings in Italy, Israel, Greece, and Turkey have been made, too. Standard commercial foods work well, too. Red-clawed crabs (Perisesarma bidens, formerly Sesarma bidens) are often sold as "freshwater" crabs, but really do their best in brackish water. That is why they are also known as mini crab. They’re usually also a bit more vivid in terms of coloration. What does a Red Clawed Crab look like? Declawing of crabs is the process whereby one or both claws of a crab are manually detached before the return of the live crab to the water, as practiced in the fishing industry worldwide. They are a unique creature to care for with some distinct needs that you have to address. According to the studies, the lifespan of Red claw crabs in the wild is about 2.5 years. Savings will automatically reflect in shopping cart with the purchase of qualifying merchandise. Maximum value $75. Though they often reach the land to get air, they dehydrate very quickly, and hence, can’t stay on land surfaces for long. They grow up feeding algae and other microorganisms. However, this is only possible if youâre providing them with the very best environment! Currently, there is no data available on the average or maximum lifespan for this species in the wild, but can live for two years, and some specimens for even more than three years in captivity (aquarium tank), if appropriately cared. As for vegetables, you can provide blacked spinach, peas, or other leafy greens. Even those that do tend to die off quickly. Before putting a new Red claw crab in your tank, or putting a new tank mate in with your Red claw crab, you should take some things into consideration. These crabs will range anywhere between $2 to $5 at the most, which makes them one of the most affordable and accessible pets you can own! Author Note: If you’re able to invest in a paludarium, that’s an even better choice. As you might have guessed, their claws are bright red in color. I use Reef Crystals salt mix. While some aquarists haven’t had any problems keeping these crabs in tanks as small as 5 gallons, a bit of extra space makes a big difference. Freshly hatched young crabs are only 1 â 2 mm long. Experience Level: Beginner. We recommend a tank size of at least 10 gallons if you plan on keeping Red Claw Crabs. Valid only on orders shipped within the contiguous 48 U.S. states & to military APO/FPO addresses. Fast swimming fish that prefer to live in the upper water levels of the tank make suitable tank mates for Red claw crabs. Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. They are less effective farther offshore and in deeper water. Get a reliable testing kit that will give you readings you can trust. In October or November, when the wet season is about to return, crabs begin their migration to the shore. They can be found in shallow rivers and estuaries that meet with the sea. My tank is a brackish tank with a salinity of 1.004. Typically, these bodies of water are rather shallow. Up inlet tubes and escape through any little gap they can not live separately from larval. Or fish encroaches on that territory, be prepared for some feisty behavior! and fish! Live ones regular water changes and heavy monitoring of water throughout Asia done to cook.... Tank that ’ s about 60 centimeters, or deep rock crevices have been known to.. One thing straight: Red Claw crabs in captivity, the average Red Claw crabs can live 3+ years cared. Detritus, and burrow around the coasts have built-in shelves to make easier! 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