The fiddler crab makes an interesting addition to a fish aquarium, and this species is popular amongst beginner aquarists because its easy to care for and keep. To ensure fiddler crabs are healthy and responsibly bred, buy them from reputable online stores, including: The fiddler crab has a blue, black, or brown carapace (shell). This crab is small, friendly, and only shows aggression during the mating season. Use aquarium, play, or bio sand to fill the tank. The crabs are semi-terrestrial, and divide their time between exploring the substrate underwater and sitting on land. You can also purchase a heater for the aquarium to make sure the temperature inside stays between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the most comfortable temperature for a fiddler crab. Rainbow Land Crab: At 6-8 inches, this is a very large freshwater crab. They are very small creatures. Fiddler Crabs are natural-born scavengers. Unlike land hermit crabs, fiddler crabs spend a lot of their time in water. Aggression isnt a huge problem with Fiddler Crabs. Its also a good idea to check salinity levels regularly to avoid any issues (especially early on). You do not need a huge tank to raise these crabs. They all belong to the Ocypodidae family and have similar needs. But they also care about how males wave those big claws when they're trying to . The red marker indicates the coordinates used to represent this location, yellow markers all other locations contained within this location. Fiddler crabs are crustaceans common in sandy, marshy, and muddy places of the United States. Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. It gave me key information about, "This is very educational and helpful. They can also get into disputes over a female. Im pretty sure his tank is ready to go. They have ten feet that help them make their way through the land and swim in the water. Place a few pieces of dried plankton or brine shrimp flakes into the terrarium, add the crabs, and cover. You can use fine sand or aragonite substrate. See if the tank has a tank screen for the top because fiddler crabs can climb and escape. Fiddler crabs are scavengers in the wild. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The full-grown adult size of a fiddler crab is 23 inches. In the wild, fiddler crabs live on the coastline. Furthermore, use a thermometer to ensure that the tank temperature is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Like any animal, fiddler crabs need exercise to maintain physical fitness. A standard aquarium will do just fine. The crabs prefer not to be touched and are known to pinch people when they feel threatened, so don\u2019t buy a fiddler crab if you want a pet that you can handle.<\/p> "}}]}Related ArticlesAquarium PetsPanther Crab Care Guide & Species ProfileOctober 16, 2020 RobertAquarium PetsVampire Crab Care Guide & Species ProfileAugust 10, 2020 RobertAquarium PetsFreshwater Pom Pom Crab: Care Guide & Species ProfileOctober 16, 2020 RobertAquarium PetsHermit Crab Care Guide & Species ProfileOctober 29, 2019 RobertAquarium PetsComplete Guide to Rainbow Crab Care & Species ProfileOctober 27, 2020 RobertAquarium PetsThai Micro Crab Care GuideJuly 22, 2020 Robert. The lifespan of fiddler crabs in captivity is typically 2-3 years, with proper care and maintenance. Another nice thing about fiddler crab care is that you do not need a lot of space. Fiddler crabs can be colorful and the males have a large claw, which is called a carapace and can resemble a fiddle. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Once in a while, you can feed them tiny pieces of vegetables or crushed eggshells. Dry foods are readily available and a viable option for Fiddler Crabs as well. Feed your crabs once a day. Only use an internal tank filter, as fiddler crabs have been known to climb up external filter tubes and escape. Author Note: Dont use gravel. In addition, its best not to keep fiddler crabs in a tank with fish or any other species; they might try to catch the fish for food. Detritus means that they will eat the dead plant and decomposing matter in the sand. Prevent shell disease by keeping the tank water clean and changing the water regularly. Male and female fiddler crabs are easily distinguished by looking at their claws. Their cute appearance and fun personality make them a joy to own! Owning a fiddler crab is easy and fun. They make great pets for those wanting something a bit sturdy out of the box. On the front of the crabs body are two small eyes that protrude from long, slim eyestalks, and a pair of antennae that are used to detect smells externally. In the wild, fiddler crabs live for about two years, but they live for up to three years in captivity. They can be kept with other crabs of their species, but you must watch out for males fighting over territory or a female in the tank. Beyond their signature claw, Fiddler Crabs have stalked eyes and a pair of antennae. You can raise 4 crabs in a 10-gallon tank. This article received 13 testimonials and 82% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. [Image:Care for Brackish Water Fiddler Crabs (Uca Minax) Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]] Fiddlers are escape artists, so make sure purchase a tank with a tightly-fitting lid. % of people told us that this article helped them. Theyre small crabs with a tough carapace (this is the outer shell that protects all of the internal organs). Also, female crabs might lay eggs but do not worry. Step 1: Supplies Here are the basic needs for a fiddler crab -A 5 gallon tank (the bigger the better) -a heater (Yes fiddlers get cold) -A filter (Go for the internal ones for fiddlers because fiddlers are great climbers and can crawl up the intake tube and escape)Never go for undergravel filters for crabs. In captivity, there are formulated commercial diets especially for crabs that make their feedings a breeze. Brackish water has low salinity, but its far from freshwater. The information, content, and material contained on the site is intended to be of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute professional/medical advice. Follow any package instructions, as well as your veterinarian's advice, for how much and how often to feed. . Here is some Info on Brackish Water: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_4/v4i2/brackish%20systems/brackish.htm http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/index.php?th. The fiddler crab molts every eight weeks, shedding its old exoskeleton in place of a new one. Provide a variety of foods in captivity to ensure the fiddler crabs receive a nutritious diet. "As with most pet stores, their fiddler crabs were mixed in with fish. Their claws demand your attention. They dont need supplements as long as their food provides a complete source of nutrients.Common ProblemsFiddler crabs arent typically prone to disease in captivity.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',136,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-136{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}Poor living conditions increase the risk of bacterial and fungal diseases, which damage the crabs shell and eventually lead to shell disease the progressive degradation of the exoskeleton. The water in this habitat is brackish, warm, slightly alkaline, and aerated. Fiddler Crabs use them for self-defense and communication (more on that later). Fishkeeping World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. We have never added salt and our crabs are doing great. To test the specific gravity of your water, you can purchase a hydrometer at your local pet store. To prevent damage to the shell, avoid bothering the crab and allow the crab to stay isolated until it becomes active again. The red-clawed fiddler crab, which has bright-red claws, is a popularly stocked color variation of the species.In the wild, fiddler crabs change color around spring tide and low tide, when breeding activity is high. Be aware that seaweed will promote algae growth in the tank, which your fiddlers will eat. X The average cost of a fiddler crab is $4.50$6.To ensure fiddler crabs are healthy and responsibly bred, buy them from reputable online stores, including:LiveAquariaArizona Aquatic GardensAppearance & BehaviorThe fiddler crab has a blue, black, or brown carapace (shell). In males, claws can be regenerated if they are lost. Expect to pay around $5 to $10 on average. Finally, you need a way to keep the water well-aerated. Despite their hardy nature, Fiddler Crabs are not immune to health problems. Furthermore, these crabs will try to catch the fish for food! Make sure your water is treated and brackish. Join me as I spare some fiddler Crabs and set up a brand new tanks for them!- Subscribe, Turn on Notifications & Stay Tuned to each new Episode! Remember to add water that is dechlorinated and brackish. Add the following to your tank every day as food for your fiddlers: one brine shrimp or 2 plankton, a few fish flakes, place these only in the water. These are very small crustaceans! By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. Successful rearing of young fiddler crabs in an aquarium is next to impossible. Copyright 2022 - Fishkeeping World - All Rights Reserved, Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third-generation fish keeper, and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. Males are brighter in color compared to females and have a strong purple-gray or blue tone to their shells. Change the food up every few days by adding 3 freeze dried blood worms, a few fish flakes, and a couple small pieces of seaweed. Watermelon Fiddler crab. But its always smart to double-check! They have a reputation for destroying plants. Avoid leaving your fiddler crabs in any shipping material. The crabs cant survive in fully freshwater or saltwater environments, so the tank water should have a salinity of between 1.01 and 1.08 specific gravity. However, thats only with proper care and good living conditions. I usually only siphon out the water and replace it weekly. In this article I'm talking about freshwater crab, crabs that are thousands of times smaller than any salt water crab you've seen, or eaten. Keep in mind that the fish will need more than a few inches of water to stay healthy, so youll need to adjust your tank setup a bit. When they eat, these crabs will use their claws to put substrate in their mouth. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The general rule for fiddler crabs is to add enough salt to the water to attain a specific gravity (a measurement for liquids that determines whether an object will sink or float in them) between 1.005 and 1.01. However, depending on what else you have in your aquarium, you might want a 5-gallon tank, which would fit a colony of half a dozen quite well. They come in a wide range of colors and a handful have unique patterns that help them stand out even more! Last Updated: February 8, 2023 ", to understand what I need and what I don't. Not many fish can survive in the low-salinity water that fiddler crabs need, and the crabs are known to attack fish with their claws.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_17',119,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-119{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}Possible tank mates for fiddler crabs are:MolliesGuppiesPlatiesSwordtailsBumblebee gobiesIf you plan to add fish to your fiddler crab tank, make sure theres plenty of water for the fish to swim in.Non-fish tank mates for fiddler crabs are:Nerite snailsAmano shrimpGhost shrimpBreedingBreeding fiddler crabs in captivity isnt possible because the fiddler crabs larvae need to be carried in the oceans water column during their development. All Possible Causes, Dropsy In Fish: Your Guide To Symptoms & Treatment, Vampire Crab 101: Care, Habitat Setup, Tank Mates & More, Ramshorn Snail 101: Care, Breeding, Lifespan, Eggs & More, Clown Tang Care: Diet, Tank Size, Mates and Breeding, Purple Tang 101: Diet, Tank Setup, Lifespan & Mates, Lawnmower Blenny: Color Change, Diet, Tank Size & Lifespan, Chocolate Chip StarfishCare: Diet, Reef Safety & Tank Size. Is Aquarium salt good enough. Some specimens have been reported to have lived longer. 1 - Tank Size A aquatic fish tank with a capacity of 10 gallons or bit more will suffice and easily accommodate 2-4 crabs. So before you bring one home, make sure there is a vet nearby who can treat your animal. Theyre omnivores that will eat anything they can find! To make things easy, we made sure to cover all the essentials of Fiddler Crab care in this guide. All rights reserved. Make sure the tank has a secure lid with ventilation (such as a mesh screen), as fiddler crabs can climb out of their tank when given the chance. Common health issues with fiddler crabs are loss of legs and claws, acting lethargic, and not eating. Author Note: Many Fiddler Crabs will lose a limb at some point in their life. I think there might just have been a typo but I am assuming the writer meant 1.001 to 1.008 range. You can care for your fiddler crab easily once you've learned the fundamentals. Once you have the sand, make a gradual slope covering two-thirds of the bottom of your aquarium. ", feeding, making the water ratio correct, and also with our worry about our female missing a claw! A Beginner's Guide To Keeping Thai Devil Crabs As Pets For the heater, place the body in the water for 15 minutes before plugging it in. I just wish that more pet stores would take better care of their crabs and tell customers how to properly look after them. Feed the crabs an omnivorous diet of plants and rich protein sources, and look out for common diseases, like shell disease. ", frog and fiddler crab. Dont buy fiddler crabs if you want to add the crabs to a pre-existing tank that doesnt suit their requirements. These crabs are small, peaceful, and sociable creatures. Do not use table salt. Fiddler crabs can live up to 10 years, making them a long-term companion for your home or office. Dont add live plants because the crabs will likely destroy these. Keep male and female fiddler crabs in separate holding containers if they arrived separately. But in general, their bodies are around 2 inches across. If push comes to shove, they could end up fighting and losing a limb or two. Females have two small feeder claws, while males have one oversized claw (growing up to 2 inches long) and one normal-sized claw.Full-grown fiddler crabs reach between 2 and 3 inches long, and males grow bigger than females. Using the substrate, create a gradual slope to one side of the tank. Fiddler crabs should be handled as little as possible, as this can cause them undue stress. Yes, while in the wild, fiddler crabs can get shrimps with ease. Fiddler crabs generally don't display many health problems in captivity. Sometimes, males can get a bit territorial. Catch Fiddler crabs and keep them alive. Prevent shell disease by keeping the tank water clean and changing the water regularly.Fiddler crabs are particularly vulnerable after molting because their new exoskeletons are soft and delicate. To keep the water in good shape, clean out your filter regularly. Full-grown fiddler crabs reach between 2 and 3 inches long, and males grow bigger than females. Cleaning your fiddler crabs aquarium. Stay on top of the water conditions in the tank. They also don't take up a lot of space. The crabs should be housed in a tank that holds at least 10 gallons of water. A fiddler crab is a crab species from the genus Uca. However, the risk of the crab hunting them down is still present. We have 3 Gourmies, a couple of ghost shrimp and an algae eater. Theyre vulnerable after molting, as the new shell is still soft. Fiddler crabs are typically kept in aquariums of small to medium size and require little to no maintenance. By setting up a proper habitat for your fiddler crabs, you can take care of them. Plus, you can add some plastic or live aquarium plants, pieces of driftwood, and other decorations to enrich the environment. You will need to make special salted water for them in order to mimic their natural environment. The red-clawed fiddler crab, which has bright-red claws, is a popularly stocked color variation of the species. Anything above 1.01 or 1.015 might not be too beneficial for fiddler crabs. A mesh top is best, as it will provide ample air circulation throughout the habitat. The average cost of a fiddler crab is $4.50$6. On the front of the crabs body are two small eyes that protrude from long, slim eyestalks, and a pair of antennae that are used to detect smells externally.The exact color of a fiddler crab depends on the species, with colors ranging from orange-brown to blue-gray. They are named "fiddler" because the male holds one claw, always much larger than the other, somewhat like a violin. Fiddler crabs also eat bloodworms. They are most recognizable for their distinctive large yellow/gold claw. On average they measure around 2 inches in length. This includes algae, fungus, and tiny insects. They are most commonly caused by incorrect care such as fully aquatic tanks, gravel, and non brackish water. My crab is now happy and skitters around the tank bottom, happy as a clam. You might see the males and females performing a courtship dance. The recommended water temperature range for Thai micro crabs is 72-82 degrees F (22-28 degrees C) and the minimum tank size is 2 gallons. Health issues arent very common with Fiddler Crabs in captivity. The crabs are semi-terrestrial, and divide their time between exploring the substrate underwater and sitting on land.Fiddler crabs enjoy being out in the open, but theyre known to hide when scared or molting.The fiddler crab molts every eight weeks, shedding its old exoskeleton in place of a new one.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',156,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-156{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}Fiddler Crab Tank & Water RequirementsThe fiddler crab tank should replicate the crabs wild habitat as closely as possible, with brackish water, and access to underwater and above-ground habitats.The crabs should be housed in a tank that holds at least 10 gallons of water.Habitat and Tank RequirementsIn the wild, fiddler crabs live on the coastline. While both of these items are helpful, they aren't necessary for your fiddler crab. In the wild, the larvae of fiddler crabs grow in deep ocean waters and return to shore at maturity. Fiddler crabs are semi-aquatic crustaceans that are a fairly hardy species, so Fiddler Crab care is considered one of the easiest options for newbies.