Fidler Crabs Brackish?

[athao04]

Okay, first off. I bought a couple Fidler Crabs for my empty 20g. The only thing that was in there was a Metallic Imbellis Betta and a small Black Moor Goldfish. The crabs died almost over night. I then went online and read up on them and it turns out they are brackish, but most pet shops keep them in freshwater, which will wear them out! Is this true? I asked another person at a fish store and he said they were not brackish but do need a very very very small amount of aquarium salt. Can some please clarify this for me?

 

[three-fingers]

They are brackish from what i've always read . Most people at pet stores are usually retarded when it comes to fish, so i only but my fish at specialized shops unless i know 100% what im buying 8) .

 

[nmonks]

Yes, fiddlers do indeed need brackish. Ideally, around 1/4 to 1/2 strength seawater. They can probably be adapted to fully marine conditions, too. What matters is that they can get out of the water easily, too, as they do not feed (much) underwater. In the wild, they walk about on the sand and mud, sifting out algae and other tiny organisms from the ooze on top.

They cannot be kept in freshwater for more than a few weeks.

Despite being widely sold, "freshwater" crabs are not worth adding to aquaria because they are either difficult to care for, need land, and/or eat small fish. Shrimps and snails are much easier, if you're looking for some oddball critter for your tank.

Cheers,

Neale

 

[athao04]

Awesome, thanks for the replies! I appreciate the info. Will be looking out for some good ole shrimp =D