There are a lot of things to love about matano crab. If you are thinking of starting a collection or adding them to your aquarium, there are a lot of things to learn about these freshwater crabs.
Usually, they are easy to maintain and care for. If you provide proper care, they can live for several years. In general, they are very active and beautiful and like to climb, hide, and explore. So you need to provide them with a suitable and proper size aquarium that offers them plenty of opportunities.
Do not think it is the best time to choose this wonderful crustacean as your pet instead. In this article, I will provide you with the necessary information and explain everything about this freshwater crab species, including its care, diet and breeding. So that you can easily determine if these species are right for you.
What is a matano crab?
The matano crab, also known as Syntripsa matannensis, is a fully aquatic creature and also comes onto dry land. This means they are not mainly dependent on a source of dry land. They are very well known in quite several localities around the lake Matano in south Sulawesi and Indonesia. Whatever they are not afraid of and are capable of leaving the water. So that they should be adequately cared for to prevent escape from the aquarium.
Usually, they are a beautiful deep purple color combination, including their purple carapace with white pigmented joints. Generally, the purple matano purple crab comes from the same lake in Indonesia as the panther crab. As they are omnivore scavengers, they eat practically like the other freshwater crabs.
Scientific Facts About Matano Blue Crab
- Scientific Name: Syntripsa Matannensis
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Order: Decapoda
- Family: Gecarcinucindae
- Genus: Syntripsa
Quick Overview of Matano Crab
- Type: Fully aquatic
- Optimal Tank Size: 20-gallon
- Keeping Level: Easy
- Breeding Level: Very difficult
- Aquarium Type: Freshwater aquarium
- Diet: Omnivore
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Life Span: Upto 3 years
- Color: Purple and blue coloration
- Common Name: Blue matano Crab, Purple Crab, Blue Crab
Key Characteristics of the Matano Crabs
Natural Habitat
The blue crab is mainly common on the sandy and rocky floors of Matano Lake, which is its natural habitat. It can be observed during the day feeding on snails and other organic matter in the open lake space. However, recently, this blue crab was categorized as endangered by the IUCN Red List. Because the natural habitat of this species is in decline due to pollution from nickel mining operations and habitat destruction.
Behavior
In behavior, matano blue crabs are a little bit aggressive and tend to show this, especially when kept close to small fish and snails. As they are nocturnal animals, they are active at late hours. Besides, these crabs are territorial, especially male crabs. They do not tolerate fellow members of their species. In addition, they are great climbers that can help keep most openings sealed off.
Molting
Among the other species of crab, purple crabs shed their exoskeleton as they grow. Whatever their molting frequency, it depends on the age of the crab. As an example, a fully grown crab occurs every 8 weeks, which implies shedding their exoskeleton to provide them with proper nutrients for the formation of a new exoskeleton.
Feeding
It is very important to make it a priority to feed these crabs a well-balanced diet. This can help to ensure complete nutrition and optimal growth. By nature, they are omnivores and not picky. They will eat all sorts of food, from dead fish to decaying organic matter. So that you do not have a difficult time thinking of what to feed them. As well, they can feed on frozen food, calcium supplements and bloodworms to help maintain the health of their shells.
Keeping and Caring for Matano Crabs
When you are thinking about keeping multiple crabs, it is important to make sure that all the crabs are female. However, a good setup is having 2 female and one male crab. It can help reduce the aggression of the tank.
Tank Size
To house the matano purple crabs, you will need at least 20-gallon tanks. The bigger the aquarium, the more it fits into the available space. So that the crabs won’t be cramped as they grow and mature and there will be enough space to incorporate a variety of tankmates into the aquarium.
Water Parameters
Before putting Syntripsa matannensis in the tank, it is crucial to make sure that the aquarium is well-cycled. Usually, these species like warm water temperatures between 77-88 degrees. Besides, the pH level is 7.8-8.2.
Suitable Tankmates
Generally, these crabs can be a bit aggressive and attempt to feed on slow-moving fish. The best tankmates for these crabs are tetras, guppies, mollies, bettas, catfish and other tropical fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any diseases for which I have to worry about matano crabs?
Usually, they are not facing any critical health problems. But if you do not provide a well-balanced diet and take proper maintenance, they can face a little disease. Salmonella and atypical mycobacterium are common infections for them.
How long can Syntripsa Matannensis typically live?
Typically, the lifespan can vary in many ways. However, the average lifespan is up to 3 years with proper care and maintenance.
How do I understand that my crabs are molting?
The molting signs are that you can look out for limited activity, a lack of scavenging, poor appetite, cloudy eyes and a dull appearance.
How big do these crabs get?
In aquariums, they often grow to about 3 inches but they live many years and continue to grow slowly for their entire lives.
In conclusion
The matano crab is a beautiful and interesting addition to your home aquarium. Also, they are great scavengers and will work hard to keep your substrate clean and clear. Moreover, they are very active invertebrates, easy to care for and have a long life of up to 3 years. So if you are considering these crabs as a pet, that is the best decision. Because they are easy to care for and maintain.
Related article – Towuti crab