Home Marine Invertebrates Crab Species Profiles Arrow Crab
Arrow Crab
(Stenorhynchus seticornis)
Quick Care Facts
• Care Level: Easy • Temperament: Semi-Aggressive • Maximum Size: 6"
• Diet: Carnivore • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Reef Compatible: Yes • Water Conditions: 72-80° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: Calcium, Iodine, Trace elements • Coloration: Brown
• Origin: Caribbean • Family: Majidae • Species: Crabs
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Native Habitat and Species Information
Arrow Crab native habitat, distribution, behavior & aquarium compatibility.
The Arrow Crab or as it is also commonly known as the Spider Crab, has extremely long legs and a unique pointed head. It is called the Arrow Crab because of the shape of the body and head, which with its angular features give it an arrow like appearance. The size is variable, but many reach around six inches, and some up to 10 inches (females are often much smaller).
Different species inhabit different parts of the world, with the most common Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis) coming from the Caribbean, but other species are imported from the Indo-Pacific region, eastern Africa, and California. Arrow Crabs normally inhabit portions of the reef where small caves or crevices are plentiful. This gives the Arrow Crab a safe place to duck into if it feels threatened and also provides a safe place to sleep.
Aquarium Care
How to successfully keep Arrow Crab in the home aquarium.
The hardy Arrow Crab is a long-lived invertebrate species, who can be housed in either reef or community fish marine aquariums. Although relatively peaceful, large specimens may pinch at or ward off small slow moving fish that invade their territory or compete with them for food items they are scavenging.
The ideal aquarium environment for the Arrow Crab should have many caves and rock crevices for the Arrow Crab to reside in or near and should not have any aggressive fish species who prey on invertebrates, such as, Triggerfish or Puffers.
Feeding & Nutrition
How to feed and provide proper nutrition for Arrow Crab.
Arrow Crabs will scavenge for any leftover meaty foods and will also accept almost all meaty, flake and tablet foods. Arrow Crabs will gladly accept food given directly to them or they will scavenge the aquarium bottom looking for any meaty foods that the other tank inhabitants may have missed.
One should keep an eye out to make sure there are enough food scraps for the Arrow Crab, and if not supplemental feedings directly to the Arrow Crab may be necessary.
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