Emerald Crab

How To Care For The Emerald Crab

Aside from the fact that the emerald crab is quite a hardy specimen, making them a popular pick for aquariums, they are also adored for their varied appetite and pleasant demeanor.  They are peaceful creatures and get along with most other tank inhabitants and since they feed on leftover food and marine algae, they also help to keep the tank clean.

These gorgeous specimens of marine life received their name from the vibrant emerald green shade of their body.  They are native to the Caribbean Sea and although they only grow to be around 2 to 4 inches in length, their tank should not be any less than 30 gallons to accommodate their active lifestyle.

The emerald crab makes an extraordinary pet and they are certainly attention grabbers in any aquarium due to their striking appearance.  They are inquisitive by nature and they have unique personality, making them welcome in any tank as long as they are provided with food and a proper living environment.

Housing

Sand is typically the best substrate for the emerald crab as this provides the best means for their natural activities.  Aquarium or playground sand should be sterilized by rinsing it off and then baking at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.  This is ideal because it is inexpensive yet it can be washed over and over again.  You may also want to choose calcium-based sands that can be found in pet stores in a variety of colors however it is typically a bit more expensive.

The emerald crab is nocturnal and will appreciate plenty of coral, rocks and caves to be added to the tank to hide in during the day.  Also, their water temperature should be kept between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Feeding

The emerald crab feeds on meaty items as well as algae and will scavenge on the bottom of the aquarium and rock work and they will even eat bubble algae which is very beneficial to keep your tank clean.

They are opportunistic feeders so although they are peaceful creatures, if they are not offered enough food, they may supplement their diet with invertebrates or corals that are in the tank.  This can easily be prevented by providing them with some dried seaweed if adequate algae are not provided for them in the tank.

The emerald crab is omnivorous and will happily eat chopped up pieces of frozen, live or flaked food.  They will also feed on dead fish as well as feces.  Additionally, like other types of crabs, they may eat smaller, bottom-dwelling fish so do yourself a favor and research the habits of any new fish that you decide to introduce to your tank.

Behavior

If you want to add a charming addition to your tank, the emerald crab is the perfect pick.  They wander around the tank in search of food, stopping from time to time to rest under a cave or on a rock.  If you place more than one in a tank together they are semi-aggressive at times and if they are placed in a tank with snails, they will typically attack them.

They get along with most other tank mates that do not pose a threat to their food sources but they should never be housed with a snowflake moray eel as they do not get along.

They climb, hide and scuttle, adding life to an otherwise boring habitat. The emerald crab will climb the side of your tank and try to escape so it is important to make sure that there is a secure lid on it at all times.  These charming creatures are a beneficial and fun addition to any fish tank, novice or expert.