Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: Specimens of Arrow Crab that make their way into the hobby are often collected from the Caribbean, but there are additional species found in other parts of the world. Sometimes referred to as the Spider Crab because of its extremely long legs, Arrow crabs get their name from the shape of their bodies. On average, Arrow crabs grow to 6″ in size and are a hardy, long-lived invertebrate in the home aquarium.
Diet Requirements: Arrow crabs are carnivores and will scavenge on various food leftover in the aquarium. When food is scarce, crabs become opportunistic feeders and may nip at corals or predate on other invertebrates and fish within the aquarium. Arrow crabs have been observed to consume small bristleworms, which are viewed by some hobbyists as a nuisance.
Tank Requirements: An established, minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons is recommended to house an Arrow crab. Maintaining stable water parameters is a component to the success of keeping this invertebrate; Arrow crabs are intolerable of high nitrates. Creating crevices or caves with liverock will mimic the Arrow crab’s natural environment. While it is generally safe to add an Arrow crab into a reef aquarium, keep in mind that many crabs and shrimp are opportunistic on other slower moving invertebrates if their dietary requirements are not being met. Recommended water conditions: 76-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.024-1.026.
Purchase Size: 2” to 4″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.
