Are you interested in keeping marble crabs at home? Look no further than our comprehensive guide to this species and explore the hidden facts. It is a relatively rare land crab that a lot of hobbyists would like to acquire. The reason is the rare and unique design that can make it most popular to keep at home.
I decided to research this crab and provide information to the crab enthusiast. To my pleasant surprise, I found out that these crabs are no different to care for than any other terrestrial crab. So I recommend that beginners keep these species. This guide will give a special look at this remarkable metasesarma obesum. Therefore, if you are curious about these species and their behavior, habitat, growth and tank setup, read more.
What is a marble crab?
A marble crab is also known as metasesarma obesum. Usually, this crab is a small-sized land crab which makes its home in the West Pacific. In this place, they occur in large populations. However, the species gets its name from the marbled pattern on a light brown background that the animals often display.
Usually, they are variable in color, with a darker carapace. Besides, their eyes are located at the ends of two movable eyestalks, which are located in the centre of the carapace. Moreover, the average size of the marble rock crabs is about 1.5-2.5 cm long.
Scientific Classification of Marble Crab
- Scientific Name: Metasesarma obesum
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Malacostraca
- Order: Decapoda
- Family: Grapsidae
- Spices: P. marmoratus
Quick Overview Of Marble Crab
- Name: Marble Crab
- Tank Size: 5 gallon
- Type: Terrestrial crab
- Keeping: Easy
- Breeding: Very difficult
- Optimal Temperature: 24–28°C
- Water Type: Salt Water Bowls and Freshwater
- Diet: Omnivore
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Lifespan: Upto 3 years
- Common Name: Batik Crab, Emerald Land Crab, Mottled Crab, Marble Rock Crab
Interesting Fact About Marble Crab
Natural Habitat
Usually, marble rock crabs are widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific zone, such as Madagascar, Mergui archipelago, Kerala, India, Christmas Island, etc. Besides, they are often reported from islands with wide gravel areas without any freshwater source.
Generally, they like to hide under stone or coral rock during the day. They also inhabit mangrove areas and like to cover and protect dense forest floors.
Behavior
Though metasesarma obesum is considered to be a social animal, it is still not that simple. They benefit from being in the company of their own. The beautiful crabs are not completely peaceful. They have complex territorial interactions in the overcrowded tank that will easily regulate their number.
Sometimes this type of behavior causes problems for those who want to keep different animal species in the same enclosure.
Feeding
In nature, marbled crabs are scavengers. Also, they are omnivores and opportunistic eaters. This means they will eat anything they can find. They will gladly spend all their time wandering around the tank and scavenging for food. In captivity, the marbled crab usually eats leaf litter, detritus, seeds, etc. For their best growth, it is recommended that feed them protein at a level of about 60-70% of their diet.
They require a lot of protein. In your diet, you can usually provide foods such as shrimp pellets, shrimp granules, fish food, frozen blood worms and crushed snails. They like to eat these foods very much.
Breeding
The breeding process of these marble crabs presents various difficulties. So there are no successful reports of their breeding in captivity. As a result, the pet industry completely depends on wild-caught species.
Suitable Tankmates
Generally, the marbled crab is a social species and likes to be kept in a group. But that can depend only on several conditions, such as the ratio being 1:3. Besides, the tank has a lot of hiding places. However, it is possible to keep them with dwarf shrimp and fish.
How to keep a marble crab
Compared to the other invertebrates, caring for batik crabs is quite easy. They do not require high maintenance and adapt well to captivity. They can stay pretty healthy in most situations. But you indeed need to address their core needs. They require a very specific environment. Here, I am providing a few care guidelines to help you keep them happy and healthy.
Tank Size
When you keep a marble rock crab in the tank, tank size is most important for their well-being. Usually, they are territorial and like space to roam around. As well as a varying amount of terrain to hide in and escape from. However, the optimal tank size is 5 gallons for a few batik crabs. Moreover, it is suggested that you do not take the tank size lightly. Because overcrowding is a major problem that causes stress for crabs.
Substrate and Decorations
In captivity, the marble crabs require a proper substrate and decoration in the tank. This can help to have individual spaces. However, in the substrate, you can use coconut fibre, peat, sand and soil. This can help to maintain a proper level of humidity.
Water Type
The metasesarma obesum in the tank does not require much water because it is not aquatic. Also, they cannot stay in the water for a long time. Therefore, to completely satisfy them, you should provide a bowl of water. However, it is essential to provide a variety of surfaces for them to get out of the water.
Temperature
Generally, these species require an enclosure that can offer them a hot side and a cold side. This can help them regulate their body temperature according to their needs. The temperature is between 71-86°F with around 75 to 82 being optimal.
Frequently Asked Question
How often do we change the marble crabs’ foods?
Usually, you can leave their food for 24 hours before removing it. But be sure that they are not consumed in one day and are removed to prevent moles.
Do marble rock crabs require calcium in their diet?
Yes, in their diet, they need calcium. This can help their overall health and well-being as well as their exoskeleton. So make sure they get enough calcium by regularly feeding specialised inverted foods.
How deep should the substrate in Metasesarma obesum be?
The substrate in these crabs is 1-2 inches, which will be more than enough. Moreover, in the wild, they do not dig a lot.
What type of water do marble rock crabs prefer?
Typically, they should prefer two types of water. One is freshwater and the other is saltwater.
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