Cameroon Crabs

[kpickard]

Hi there.

we bought a cameroon crab with little knowledge really in this species. Hes currently in his own tank with a few baby mollys who he hasnt touched. We have bought him a 48litre tank for himself and possibly a friend once we get it set up.
Does anyone know any information on these crabs? who he could live with? we cant seem to find anything on the internet.

Also at the minute ours 'sleeps' in the lid by the lighting and holds on to the rim at the top, out of the water. is he ok out of the water and if so how long for.

absolutely ANY information would be much appreciated.

 

[Davo86]

Is it a particularly big crab?

If so I'm guessing its an African Land Crab (AKA Rainbow Crab or Cardisoma armatum)

These are capable of reaching 8" in size and will prey on fish so therefore should be kept alone.

Also as their name suggests they require a specific setup consisting of a small amount of water and a lot of land space,
They are expert escape artists and if a land setup isn't given they will find a way out

 

[kpickard]

When we bought him he was in a normal fish tank filled right up with other fish in the shop and was sold to us as a Cameroon Crab? Hes purple and orange in colour and yes is rather large (Im not measuring him!!!) But as a rough guide (from my mother) he is 'hand sized'.

We do plan when we have the new setup to give him landspace, filling the tank 3/4 full and give him lots of things to do as hes quite active and likes climbing on everything!

thanks for your help

 

[three-fingers]

Can you take a picture of the crab so we can get a proper ID? It's not a common name I recognise, most likely made up by the LFS or even more likely, the LFS dodgy supplier.