Aquarium Crabs

Top 10 Types Of Aquarium Crabs

Aquarium crabs are the most important cleaner you can have in a reef aquarium. They are essential for keeping problems such as hair algae, excess food and bubble algae under control. Depending on the crab species, some can be kept as an individual pet or as part of a community. Aside from their practical use, they are also kept as pets for their intriguing appearance and quirky behavior.

Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab – These are one of the most popular types of aquarium crabs. They are known for their beautiful colors, compact size, excellent reef compatibility and they can reach crevices to clean that some other species simply can't. These crabs are phenomenal eaters and will leave your tank nitrate-free.

Hawaiian Zebra Hermit Crab – Its black and white pincers give this species its name. It is very small but displays an extremely large left claw. They scavenge for detritus, consume nuisance algae, even red slime algae. Their diet should be supplemented if there is insufficient algae, with dried seaweed.

Halloween Hermit Crab – These aquarium crabs are the brightest and funniest looking hermit crabs available. They will actually wear an abandoned shell in order to protect themselves when predators are near. Most enthusiasts find that they are drawn to these crabs because of their charming orange and black coloration. They are ideal for a reef aquarium, feeding on uneaten food and algae.

Sally Lightfoot Crab – These are not your typical looking aquarium crabs by any means. The Sally Lightfoot, also known by the name Nimble Spray, looks nothing like a crab and everything like a giant spider with its brown body and yellow rings on its eight legs. They are extremely active algae eaters and they are quite flat so they tend to hide under coral and rocks.

Staghorn Crab – This species is also called an Antler Hermit due to its bizarre appearance. The Staghorn crab makes its shell out of staghorned hydrocoral and it is shaped like gigantic antlers that look far too large for its body. They scavenge algae and animal matter and they eat a lot so if the tank is not offering them an adequate supply of food, you will need to feed them raw shrimp, clam, scallop, mussel, nori and other vegetation as well.

Sponge Crab – These camouflaged aquarium crabs have a piece of living sponge on their shell to help them to stay hidden. They are very peaceful, reef safe and will never harm corals or other invertebrates. This species is very easy to care for, even for a novice collector and will only require to be fed some chopped fish, clams and freeze-dried foods from time to time.

Emerald Crab – These algae eaters are reef safe and a great addition to your tank. They are one of the very few invertebrates that will feed on nuisance bubble algae and uneaten meaty foods. They are easily identified by their flat, emerald-colored body and hairy legs. In the wild, they are nocturnal and hide in caves so they will need plenty of hiding places in your aquarium.

Dwarf Red Leg Hermit Crab – This omnivore is a voracious scavenger and will feed on detritus and algae from your rock, sand substrate and will even find its way into tiny crevices. They are very easy to care for and will only need to be fed dried seaweed if the tank does not provide enough food.

Pom Pom Crab – These comical looking aquarium crabs carry a tiny anemone in each claw that looks like a cheerleader's pom pom. It is a hardy species that matures at only an inch long so it is idea for a mini-reef aquarium. They are attractive with striped legs and bold markings and they will work hard to keep your tank immaculate.

Spotted Porcelain Crab – This exquisite, reef safe crab is peaceful and will not do any harm to coral or other invertebrates. Their round, flat bodies are light blue and covered with red spots and they have orange tipped claws. Not only are they a colorful accessory to your aquarium, they will filter water for plankton and feed on algae.