The rainbow warrior crab commonly known as the Sally lightfoot crab is a saltwater crab species. This crab can be a great addition to the saltwater aquarium as a tank cleaner. The captivating color and active characteristics make it more interesting. However, this crab is not common as pets, so you might be wondering how to care for them.
The Sally lightfoot crab is a very easy-to-care crab with fewer requirements and experience. Here we’ll talk about everything you need to know about this crab.
Quick overview of Sally Lightfoot crab
Name
Some common names of this crab are Urchin crab, Rainbow warrior crab, Short crab, Sally feather leg crab, Alien crab, Grapsus grapsus, Red rock crab, and Nimble Spray crab with the scientific name being Percnon Gibbesi.
Habitat and distribution
This crab can be found in widespread areas in the narrow rocky subtidal zones in the upper infralittoral (commonly in depths of 1-2m) of Mexico, Peru, Central and South America along with the Mediterranean coast, the Galápagos Islands, Chile, Brazil, the Azores, and the Tunisian coastline.
| Size | 7-12 cm (3-5 inches) |
| Color | Dark brown/orange with yellow, pink, and orange spots |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 years |
| Temperament | Semi aggressive |
| Temperature | 72-78° F (22°C-25°C) |
| Care Level | easy |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Diet | Omnivore |
Quick facts about Percnon Gibbesi
- Young Sally lightfoot crabs are dark brown to black which helps them camouflage well lava rocks. They turn into bright colors when they are adults.
- They are alien species in the Mediterranean Sea that’s where the alien crab name came from.
- They are known for their jumping ability and moving very fast.
- Grapsus grapsus crab can be too aggressive sometimes; so choose tank mates with caution.
- Being a very hardy creature, Sally lightfoot crab can adapt to an aquarium environment and live up to 5 years.
- The youngs have comparatively less soft shells, so handling with caution is preferred. The shell gets hardened as they grow older.
- Their flat carapace (slightly longer than 3.1″ inches) helps them hide in small crevices of the rocks.
- They are cannibal crab species, so when a male wants to mate, he has to be cautious, because the female may see him as food.
- The adaptation of Sally Lightfoot to nature is quite fascinating as their flexibility helps them as a defense mechanism, also they can throw water to predators and shed a leg when they are in danger.
- Percnon Gibbesi is most of the time used as bait to catch fish and is not considered edible by humans. Their leaping behavior makes them very hard to catch.
- Though they are shore crabs, it is less likely they go to the land.
- They tend to live in groups in the wild.
- The crab is rumored to have been named after a Caribbean dancer due to its agility and lightfoot way of dancing.
How to care for Sally Lightfoot crab
Tank setup
Size
This crab will require much space to jump and travel through the tank. So take a minimum of 20 – 25 gallon tank for 1 to 2 crabs, increase the size with the number of crabs, and don’t forget about the lid.
Substrate
You can use Aragonite sand or any other substrate as usual;
Tip – Adding a few sandstones will ensure enough algae growth which will help their feeding.
Decoration
The sally lightfoot crab will need a lot of hiding places made of lava rocks which will ensure mimicking their natural habitat; Add any reefs or corals you want.
Tip – Most of the aquarists love to keep them as usual in a fully aquatic saltwater aquarium. But to mimic their wild habitat, you can go for a paludarium or at least some rocks to climb on to get out of the water.
Tip – The sally lightfoot crab loves strong current; so, you can use a powerhead or wave pump to create a high wave. A wave pump is recommended for the reef tank, if you are using a powerhead make sure to place it far from the reef as the strong and direct water flow will harm the reefs.
Temperature and water requirements of Sally lightfoot crab
The ideal temperature will be between 72-78 °F (22°C-25 °C), you can use a thermometer to ensure that. Don’t let a sudden drop in temperature, it may cause health issues.
The dKH and pH should be between 8 – 12 and 8.1 – 8.4 with the salinity level of 1.023 – 1.025.
Though Sally lightfoot crab is considered a nocturnal crab like other crab species they are also quite active in the daytime. Ensure they get light that resembles the wild with a cycle of day and night.
Sally lightfoot crab tank mates
Choosing tank mates for this crab can be tricky, but you can always consider keeping with other Sally lightfoot crabs. Avoiding any fish or invertebrates that are smaller than their size, too slow, or too peaceful is recommended as they can bully or try to catch them. So make sure to choose species that are the same or bigger compared to their size.
They are less aggressive in their young form, but as they grow they may show instinct by eating invertebrates. Avoid tank mates like blue-leg hermit crabs or fire shrimp. Here are some tank mates I found good for the Sally feather leg crab.
- Arrow crab or decorator arrow crab
- Giraffe serpent starfish
- Clownfish (caution)
- Marbled rock crabs.
- Emerald crab
Add any corals you like, they won’t harm corals except for removing Mysis and algae from corals which can do a little bit of damage. Provide enough food to minimize aggression.
What do Sally Lightfoot crabs eat?
Mainly they depend on red and green algae, scrap of food, detritus, and plankton. Besides cleaning the tank, ensure they get supplemented with meaty food, pellets or flakes. Give them commercial treats once in a while. Don’t forget about providing calcium-rich food which will help build a stronger shell.
Make sure they don’t compete with food because some aquarists claim that they don’t disturb fish but rather fight or try to steal food from the other mates.
Mating in the aquarium of this crab is not easy but you can give it a try.