The calico crab, one of the breathtaking species of ocean that can be a great pet in your aquarium. Since they are not a popular species in the aquarium trade, you will rarely find any information about them. They are easy care species with some exceptions you need to be aware of.
Here you will learn everything about the calico crab, including feeding, tank setup and interesting facts. Let’s jump into the topic.
Quick overview of calico crab
| Common names | Calico Crab, Dolly Varden Crab, Giraffe Crab, Calico Box Crab, Gulf Calico Crab |
| Scientific name | Hepatus Epheliticus |
| Size | About 3 inches (7.6 cm) |
| Lifespan | Around 3 years |
| Color | Yellow, orange, dark red |
| Sleeping nature | Nocturnal |
| Diet | Omnivore/carnivore |
| Habitate type | Marine |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Optimal temperature | 72-78°F (22-26°C) |
Interesting facts about calico crab
Where do Calico crabs live? (habitat and distribution)
Calico crabs (Hepatus epheliticus) are commonly found along the coasts of Southwest Florida and the Gulf Coast, where they thrive in shallow waters. Their distribution extends throughout the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Chesapeake Bay all the way down to the Dominican Republic.
This wide geographical range also includes areas like Cuba, Jamaica, and the western Bay of Campeche, Mexico. These crabs are well-adapted to varying marine environments across this broad stretch of coastline. Preferring sandy and muddy substrates, Calico crabs typically reside at depths of up to 46 meters (151 feet) below the surface.
Appearance
Calico crabs are renowned for their striking and colorful appearance, making them a favorite among aquarists. These small crabs typically measure two to four inches across their carapace, which is predominantly white. What sets them apart are the large, vibrant spots that range from orange to red and are often outlined in darker colors, creating a captivating mosaic effect. This unique pattern not only enhances their beauty but also aids in camouflage against the sea floor, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
The rounded shape of their shells complements their overall appearance, while their specialized claws can form a protective shield over their faces, showcasing their unique anatomical adaptations.
Furthermore, the gender of Calico crabs can be identified by the shape of their abdomen. Mature males exhibit a narrow, elongated apron, while females possess a broader, convex apron.
Behavior
Calico crabs primarily spend much of their time buried in the sand bed, often with only their eyes exposed. This behavior serves as an effective defense mechanism, allowing them to remain hidden from potential predators while also providing them with a comfortable habitat. Preferring darker environments, Calico crabs shy away from bright light and are more active at night when they emerge to scavenge for food.
While Calico crabs can defend themselves with their claws, they are generally not aggressive and will only attack if provoked. Experts recommend against handling or picking them up to avoid stress for the crab and potential injury for the handler.
In a unique display of behavior, Calico crabs occasionally pick up pink cloak anemones and attach them to their shells. This symbiotic relationship offers them added camouflage, making it even harder for predators to spot them.
Are Calico crabs reef safe?
Calico crabs are not considered reef-safe. While they are generally peaceful and can help maintain water quality, they have a tendency to eat smaller reef organisms like shrimp or clams. This makes them a risky addition to a reef tank, as they could disrupt the delicate balance of your reef ecosystem.
Note: Previously, many aquarists successfully kept them in reef tanks without any problem.
Is calico crab poisonous?
I didn’t find any info about their toxicity. That’s why I can’t exactly tell if they are poisonous. However, their color and pattern tell they are somehow toxic. So if you want to eat them, make Since the majority of the toxic crab’s toxicity remains undestroyed even after cooking, you have to be careful if they are safe to consume.
How to care for calico crab
Tank setup
What tank size does a calico crab need?
Calico crabs will need a lot of space to thrive. Take a minimum 20 – 30 gallon tank with a lid. If you are planning to make a fully functional marine environment with fish and corals, then increase the size accordingly.
Substrate
Choose a sandy substrate like aragonite reef sand and fix it with crushed gravel. Make the substrate 2-3 inches so that they can burrow and hide into the substrate.
Decoration
Place one or two hiding places or some aquarium stones so that they can hide during the day. Bring some anemones and corals if you feel like, considering the calico crabs may destroy them. Add other equipment like a sponge filter and thermometer.
Water parameter
To properly acclimate calico crabs, it’s best to start by floating them in a sump or low-light area of the tank for 15-20 minutes to match the temperature. Afterward, a slow drip acclimation process is recommended. This method helps them adjust to the water conditions gradually, reducing stress and improving their chances of adapting successfully to the aquarium environment.
It’s important to maintain stable water parameters. The ideal temperature range is 72-78°F (22-26°C), with a pH between 8.1-8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025. Calico crabs are sensitive to changes in water conditions, so any fluctuations can be harmful.
Do calico crabs molt?
Calico crabs undergo molting, as do all other types of crabs. They need to molt to get bigger and stronger. This process is frequent when they are young; the between molting increases as they grow and becomes 20% bigger as they molt.
To help them develop a strong shell, feed them food high in calcium like cuttlebones and do not disturb them while they molt.
Calico crab tank mates
They are peaceful and don’t like to tease other fishes. They’ll do own stuffs and eat algae living in the bottom. However, since they are crabs, they might try to eat fish, though the chance is very low.
They should be well-fed to reduce aggression. You can keep them with usual aquarium fish and crustaceans, such as lionfish, gobies, blennies, gaudy clown crab and starfish.
Note: Calico crabs are often eaten by sea turtles and large fish like Goliath groupers and bass fish.
Calico crab diet
Calico crabs (Hepatus epheliticus) are opportunistic scavengers, primarily carnivorous in nature. In the wild, their diet includes a variety of small animals, dead plants, and fish. They forage along the sea floor, consuming whatever they can find, including worms, clams, and other invertebrates. This behavior not only sustains them but also contributes to keeping the ocean floor clean by removing detritus and other organic matter.
In aquarium settings, calico crabs help maintain water quality by feeding on algae, detritus, and leftover fish food. They can also be offered more substantial food, such as silversides, squid, and clams. For variety, aquarists often provide seaweed or algae wafers to supplement their diet, ensuring they get both plant and animal-based nutrients. Though primarily carnivores, they exhibit omnivorous tendencies when scavenging for food, making them versatile feeders in captivity.
