Crabs

[Sambo]

I have seen some red crabs in my LFS. But do theu need access to air/surface? Or are they ok fully submerged in water?

Thanks

 

[Athena]

Not sure what type of crabs they are but when I was thinking of keeping a crab I was told it needed a tank that was stepped so an area of shallow water then dry land area and some rocks etc. There is a chap that goes into my lfs and he has a set-up like this for his crabs, almost like a mini-beach in an aquarium if you see what I mean.

Athena

ps - just found another thread on these forums re crabs:

http/www.fishforums.net/content/forum/24...ab-Do-I-Choose/

might be useful.

 

[fergalthefish]

yes they need access to air - if not they'll probably escape the tank as mine did once when i found it walking across the carpet!! so a shallow tank and covered well.

 

[Davo86]

Hi Sambo, i'd guess the crabs you saw were Red-clawed crabs (dunno how they got that name, lol)
if so then yes they will require a land area, as well as brackish water conditions for their long term health.

(these crabs are often sold as freshwater crabs but will only live for a couple of months in these conditions)

 

[TylerFerretLord]

Crabs need a specialised tank, with access to land and brackish water. Should be 2/3 land, 1/3 water. If you try to keep them fully in the water they'll constantly try to climb out, as stated.

shrimpandcrabsandcrayfish.co.uk has some good info, as well as pictures of different ways to set up a crab tank.

 

[orange shark]

we just have them in a freshwater tank with no land where i work

i'll talk to the boss see if he knows they need it

 

[TylerFerretLord]

In a shop it's not necessary to keep them in brackish, as they'll be gone quickly. They need land, though, so if he doesn't have it set up that way for them tell him.