Today I would like to talk about one of the most beautiful crabs you can find in pet stores, the candy crab. This vibrant crab inhabits the different species of soft coral in the Dendronephthya genus. Usually, they can camouflage themselves by mimicking the colors of the polys among their hides. It also adds further camouflage by attaching polyps to its carapace.
However, their color varies depending on the color of the coral. Although these crabs are not very common in the aquarium trade. Besides, they are the best aquatic crabs you can wish for. Because they are peaceful, easy to care for, and hardy.
In this guide, I will discuss all the facts about Hoplophrys oatesi, including their habitat, behavior and distribution. I have done my best to gather all the information about the species, including proper care.
What is a candy crab?
The candy crab, also known as Hoplophrys oatesi, is a stunning invertebrate that easily draws the eye of those fortunate enough to encounter it. Typically, they are best known for their appearance. Usually, they are small in size and evolved as an extremely tiny species of crustacean. Among the other species of crabs, they do not display the physiological characteristics of sexual dimorphism. The mature adult crabs are 0.6-0.8 inches. In addition, they have five pairs of legs and the first pair of legs is small. Though the first pair of claws are small, their appendages nonetheless remain comparatively powerful. Moreover, their colors can vary but are typically bright and individuals are yellow, pink, orange and white.
Scientific Classification About Candy Crab
- Scientific Name: Hoplophrys oatesi
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Malacostraca
- Order: Decapoda
- Family: Epialtidae
- Genus: Hoplophrys
- Species: H. oatesi
Quick Note About Candy Crab
- Name: Candy Crab
- Type: Aquatic Crab
- Tank Size: 5 gallon
- Keeping Level: Easy
- Breeding: Medium
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Optimal Temperature: 22 – 24°C (71°F – 75°F)
- Water Type: Freshwater
- Diet: Omnivore
- Lifespan: Upto 2 years
- Other Names: Commensal Soft Coral Crab, Dendronephthya Crab, Soft Coral Crab, Spider Crab, True Crab, Soft Coral Spider Crab
Candy Crab Distribution, Habitat, Ecology & Molting
Natural Habitat
The candy crab inhabits a comparatively broad swath of the globe. That is why. Because the amazing animal evolved as endemic to the majority of the beautiful Indo-Pacific region. Also, they originate from large portions of the coastlines of both North America and South America.
Yet they also appear along the shores of Europe and Africa as well. But the greatest concentration lies on the shores of Australia and Asia.
Behavior
Hoplophrys oatesi has some fascinating personalities and behaviors. Usually, these freshwater crabs are active and you will often see them running all around the perimeter of their tank. In general, they do not damage the other inhabitants of the aquarium.
In addition, they are pretty peaceful and do not seem to care about anything else in the tank. While they are fully aquatic crabs and function on land as well.
Feeding
These fully aquatic crabs are an omnivore species so they can eat about anything they come across. In the tank, they will eat algae and detritus because they are great scavengers. They like to eat plankton, small fish, shrimp pellets, flakes, and algae wafers. Moreover, they require calcium supplements for their best growth and overall health concerns.
Breeding
The soft coral spider crabs live in freshwater, but their larvae need brackish water for their development. However, there is no available information about their reproduction. In my research, I found that only the mentioned larvae have several stages and a megalopa stage.
Molting
To grow, the candy spider crab needs to molt. After shedding, their body is still soft and flexible. Then they start pumping their bodies with water to increase their size. In addition, molting is the most important and dangerous process for them. Moreover, to prevent predation, they will dig burrows and molt there.
Keeping and Caring Candy Crab
Commensal soft coral crabs require low maintenance and are easy to care for. As well, they do not need large tanks and they are pretty forgiving when it comes to the water conditions. However, if you want to keep them in the tank, these tips can help you maintain good health.
Tank Size
The stunning crabs are relatively small in size. So that they do not require a large tank. However, it is suggested that a 5-gallon tank size is good for a crab. As well, the tank is fully cycled and heated. Because they are burrows, they are required to have a sand or fine gravel substrate.
Water Parameters
The small-sized soft coral spider crab prefers water in a range of 71°F to 75°F. However, it is essential to remember that they can easily tolerate the temperature. Besides the optimal pH values of 7.0-7.2 for the crabs to thrive in your freshwater aquarium also, keep the water hardness between 2-6 dKH. Therefore, they can tolerate specific gravity in the range between 1.021 and 1.030.
Relationship Between Candy Crab and Host Coral
The true crabs inhabit relatively shallow regions. This most frequently occurs along the coastlines and extends to the islands. Especially most of them make their home within a very small range of depths.
It is said that they developed a mutually beneficial relationship with their host coral. They keep coral clean of debris and defend it from predators. Even these crabs cut off polyps from the coral and attach them to their shells. The host coral provides the diminutive crab with both shelter and food from its leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do candy crabs have any predators?
Yes, they have their predators consisting of a wide range of species, such as various fish.
How do candy spider crabs camouflage?
Usually, the camouflage disguises itself by mimicking the colors of the polyps among which it hides.
Where do they live?
They live widely in the Indo-Pacific region and are found in the benthic zone at depths of 1-90 metres.
What does a soft candy coral crab eat?
Mainly they will eat plankton that are caught in coral and other dead plants.
Related article – Learn about emerald crab
