Ever seen a crab crawl forward like a small soldier instead of shuffling sideways? Meet the soldier crab, a fascinating crustacean found in sandy beaches, tidal flats, and mangroves. But can you keep a soldier crab pet? The answer is yes, with proper setup! A pet soldier crab is low maintenance but requires a habitat that mimics its coastal habitat.
If you’re thinking of taking a soldier crab as a pet at home, this guide will take you step by step through everything from habitat setup to feeding routine. So your new pet will thrive in captivity.
A Quick Overview of Soldier Crab Facts
- Common Names: Soldier Crab, Mictyris Crab
- Scientific Name: Mictyris longicarpus
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Temperament: Social
- Color: Blue, pale grey, or sandy brown
- Size Range: 15- 25mm (0.59–1inches)
- Diet: Detritivore
- Habitat Type: Brackish and sandy intertidal setups
- Activity Pattern: Diurnal
- Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Understanding the Definition of Soldier Crab?
A soldier crab (Mictyris longicarpus) is a small, burrowing crustacean that lives on sandy beaches, tidal flats, and mangroves. It moves forward in enormous swarms, as if an army were moving forward. With its soft, rounded body and long legs, this fascinating animal thrives in seashore environments, readily adapting to tidal fluctuations.
Incredible Facts About Soldier Crabs
Soldier crab sociality, their peculiar habitat, and remarkable life cycle make them a subject of appeal for sea enthusiasts. But what is so special about soldier crabs? Let’s venture into their world.
Soldier Crab Habitat
Where Do Soldier Crabs Live?
Soldier crabs inhabit naturally in Australian and Southeast Asian coastal regions where they occupy intertidal sandy flats, mangrove forests, and estuaries. They emerge in large numbers during low tide and crawl over the damp sand to graze. But as the tide rises, they burrow into the ground very deep, out of reach from predators and climbing water levels.
Soldier Crab Aquatic Nature
Are Soldier Crabs Fully Aquatic?
No, soldier crabs are not entirely aquatic. Soldier crabs spend much of their lives on the land, foraging in damp sandy environments. But they do require dampness to survive and require a comfortable ratio of land to water if they are to be kept domestically. Properly maintained semi-terrestrial conditions are the essence of their well-being.
Appearance & Size
What Do Soldier Crabs Appear Like?
Soldier crabs have a typical rounded, pale-blue shell and long, slender legs. Soldier crabs also have very soft carapaces and no large claws found in most other species of crabs.
How Big Do Soldier Crabs Get?
Soldier crabs are also quite tiny, typically ranging from around 15- 25mm (0.59–1inches). Despite their diminutive size, their collective movement is a spectacular spectacle on the shores that they inhabit.
Soldier Crab Behavior
How Do Soldier Crabs Behave?
One of the most intriguing aspects of soldier crabs is their swarming. They move in enormous, synchronized groups, giving the impression of an entire tiny army making its way across the beach. It enables them to avoid predators and search for food successfully. Some other notable behaviors are:
- Burrowing: They dig into the sand to escape incoming tides and predators.
- Swarm Foraging: Traveling in organized waves to forage for food.
- Molting: Like all crabs, they molt to grow, shedding their old exoskeleton periodically.
Soldier Crab Diet
What Do Soldier Crabs Eat?
Soldier crabs are scavenging, omnivorous crabs that feed on microscopic algae, detritus, and organic particles within the sand. Their diet consists mainly of:
- Microalgae and plankton
- Broken-down organic material
- Small invertebrates
- Wet sand biofilm
Lifespan
How Long Do Soldier Crabs Live?
Soldier crabs in their natural habitat live for 2 to 4 years, but under changing natural circumstances and predation. They last slightly longer if taken care of when kept as captives.
Also Read More: Horseshoe Crab Blood: The Life-Saving Use of a Miracle Vaccine Ingredient
Can Soldier Crabs Be Kept as Pets?
Yes, soldier crabs can be kept as pets, and they make fascinating additions to a home aquarium or terrarium setup. Soldier crabs enjoy living in a semi-terrestrial habitat where they get to experience both wet sand and shallow water. Soldier pet crabs are extremely social and possess an intriguing forward march that makes them quite fascinating to observe.
How to Set Up a Proper Habitat for a Soldier Crab Pet
To keep soldier crabs pet happy and healthy in their home setting, it’s essential to mimic their natural environment. However, creating the perfect home for your soldier crab pet is easier than you think! In the right setup, your soldier crab will thrive, showing off its unique behaviors like synchronized burrowing and foraging.
Choosing The Right Tank
A shallow, spacious tank is ideal for soldier crabs. Because these crabs spend most of their lives on beaches, they require floor space more than a raised space. A 10 to 20-gallon tank is a good starting point, particularly if you have more than one crab.
Substrate & Humidity Control
Soldier crabs love burrowing, so a good substrate is a must. Mix fine marine sand with coconut fibre, damp but not waterlogged. This gives them the humidity they need while allowing them to dig comfortably.
Water Setup: Saltwater & Freshwater Access
Unlike fully aquatic crabs such as red claw crabs and fiddler crabs, soldier crabs don’t need deep water, but they will need to have access to freshwater and saltwater pools. Two shallow water dishes (one for each) will give them sufficient hydration and encourage their natural behavior.
Note: Use marine-grade salt to create the salt water, not table salt, as it contains the minerals your crab will require for health.
Temperature & Humidity Requirements
To keep your soldier crab at ease, the tank must be maintained at 75-85°F (24-29°C) with 60-80% humidity. A heat lamp or under-tank heater will help regulate temperature, while a light misting of the enclosure daily will provide humidity.
Diet & Feeding Schedule
Soldier crabs are omnivorous and thrive on a well-balanced diet of plant matter and protein. To keep them healthy, adhere to a scheduled feeding routine and provide them with varied foodstuffs.
What to Feed Soldier Crabs?
- Daily Staples: Algae wafers, biofilm from the substrate, and crushed fish food.
- Protein Boost (2–3 times a week): Invertebrates such as bloodworms or brine shrimp.
- Occasional Treats: Dried seaweed, and steamed organic vegetables (e.g., spinach or zucchini).
Feeding Frequency & Best Practices
- Feed small quantities daily to prevent waste buildup.
- Discard all remaining food after a few hours to maintain water quality.
- Provide a variety of foods to mimic their natural scavenging nature.
Companionship & Tank Mates
Soldier crabs should never be kept alone, they travel in colonies in the wild and fare well when they are social. Keeping three or more will allow them to interact and also display their very fascinating group behaviors.
Note: If you are considering other small crab species, you might also look into keeping Sawagani crab pet or pea crab pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Soldier Crabs Poisonous?
No, soldier crabs are not poisonous. They are completely harmless to human beings and other household pets. But as with any pet, it’s better to wash your hands after handling them in case of contamination from their environment.
Can You Keep Soldier Crabs as Pets?
Yes! Soldier crabs are interesting pets for those who are willing to give them the proper care. They are energetic, social animals that do well in semi-terrestrial conditions with access to land and water.
Do Soldier Crabs Need Saltwater?
Yes, soldier crabs require exposure to saltwater to be healthy. Saltwater is needed for osmoregulation (regulation of body fluid levels) and for molting. However, they require freshwater as a source of drinking water.
