In a saltwater aquarium, crabs can be interesting, funny and helpful additions. Not only do they look great but they also help to keep your reef tank clean. Various types of saltwater crabs are available for hobbyists to buy. From the emerald to the horseshoe, they have come in many different shapes and sizes. So it is important to know about them to determine which would work in specific situations. Also, which is not?
In this guide, I will inform you of some of the best saltwater crabs for beginners and experienced crab owners.
Top 11 Types Of Saltwater Crabs
Mithrax Crab
Mithrax crabs are one of the most commonly available types of saltwater crabs and are quite popular due to their algae-eating habits. They will move around, which can be quite helpful and out of sight for the most part. Also, eat many other sorts of algae. But they are still omnivores nonetheless. So ensure they get plenty of green food. Although they are small in size, some will grow to much larger sizes.
Sally Lightfoot Crab
Sally lightfoot crabs are also known as spray crabs. They are brightly colored coastal scavengers that are found in the Galapagos Islands and across the western coast. Like the other types of saltwater crabs, they are one of them. As well as algae eaters in aquariums, and have been used by hobbyists for years to keep things clean. In addition, Sally Lightfoot crabs go for other small invertebrates, and big ones may even try for small fish.
Porcelain Crab
The porcelain crabs are anomurans rather than true crabs. Whether they are found in live rock from time to time. In general, they are unique as they are filter feeders and use special appendages to capture plankton. The porcelain crabs live in saltwater and will eat some fish foods if offered. But they do not bother anyone else. This can make them different from others and suitable for keeping as a beginner.
If you want to learn more about porcelain crab, you can find a full care guide here.
Image source – Flickr┃Image by – Klaus Stiefel
Hermit Crab
Did you know that hermit crabs are not true crabs, but they are the most common types of saltwater crabs? While they may look like typical crabs with hard exoskeletons and pincers, they belong to a different group called paguroidea. However, to accommodate their growing bodies, they need larger shells. Due to their hermit label, they are social creatures and form large colonies in the wild.
Here you can find a whole library of hermit crabs.
Zebra Hermit Crab
In our list of 11 types of saltwater crabs, the zebra hermit crab is another one. They are small in adult size, which makes them reef-safe and hardy. Their black and white legs make them look great while they scoot around. In the aquarium, the zebra hermit crabs scavenge fish waste, algae and detritus. These little species can find their way into even the smallest of spaces. So it is very important to make sure that the tank has an array of empty shells available for them to move into when they grow.
Therefore, if you want to learn more about zebra hermit crabs, you can find a full care guide here.
Red Tip Hermit Crab
The red-tip hermit crab is a voracious scavenger and an ideal addition to any type of saltwater aquarium. They will scavenge all over your live rock and sand substrate to feed on algae and detritus. Among the other saltwater species, they have claws of equal size. In their home aquariums, they can do their best with a saltwater reef in which they can forage and dig. Like the other hermit crabs, they may require low maintenance, which can make them ideal for keeping in the home aquarium.
If you want to learn more about red-tip hermit crabs, you can find a full care guide here.
- Arrow Crab
The arrow crabs will make any visitor look twice at your saltwater aquarium. They are another type of saltwater crab that is also known as a spider crab. You can easily recognise them from their very long legs and strange head protrusion. However, there is a variety of particulate also referred to as the yellow line arrow crab, which is a common name derived from the fact that it has thin yellow lines running over the top of its rusty-colored extremities.
In addition, if you would like to learn more details about arrow crabs, you can find a full care guide here.
Blue Legged Hermit Crab
In the wild, there are so many types of saltwater crabs; blue-legged hermit crabs are one of them. They can be left in the aquarium without a lot of care. But they need some specific maintenance for their growth. Appreciated for their appetite for detritus and algae, which can make a great addition to your aquarium. Also, their peaceful behavior can make a good and fascinating addition to any type of saltwater tank.
Halloween Hermit Crab
The Halloween hermit crab is the most popular saltwater aquarium crab that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. Usually, they can get their name from their vivid orange and red leg bands, which make them look like Halloween decorations. They can get relatively larger compared to some of the dwarf hermit crabs. So that it could potentially disrupt corals in a reef tank. But there is no need to worry because they generally peacefully coexist in a tank.
You can find a full details guide about Halloween hermit crab care and keeping here.
Decorator Crab
In many types of saltwater crabs, we find another one, which is the decorator crab. Usually, they are recognised by their habits of tanking small bits of algae and sticking them to their shells. Although some decorator crabs are omnivores, the majority seem to be carnivores. So it is suggested that you not keep them in reef tanks.
To get more details about decorator crabs, including their diet, behavior and care, click here.
Scarlet Hermit Crab
In our guide about types of saltwater crabs, the last one is a scarlet hermit crab, which is a scavenging invertebrate. They are voraciously consumed with excess food, algae and detritus. In the saltwater aquarium, they are considered to be a less aggressive species of hermit crab, making them a better reef inhabitant.
If you want to learn more details about these fiddler crab species, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you identify the types of saltwater crabs?
Usually, the saltwater crabs are very small, spiky and have toothed carapaces. Besides, they can live amongst marine vegetation tunnels in the sand.
Are saltwater crabs good for pets?
Yes, they can make a wonderful pet crab but some can require more work than the crabs that live on land. To successfully care for your saltwater crab, you will need to know more details about the species.
Do saltwater crabs eat algae?
Yes, many types of saltwater crabs eat algae and that can make them good for keeping.
