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The
Fiddler Crab
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Scientific
name: Uca pugnax
Minimal tank size: 3 gallons Max growth: 2 inches Special requirements: Access to air, an escape-proof tank, and brackish water. |
Fiddler crabs require brackish conditions. They will not last longer than six months in a freshwater tank. They also need to get out of the water. If you don't give them a perch, or a piece of driftwood sticking out of the water, they will find a way to air. They can climb up heaters and filter intakes; I've even seen one climb up the soft silicone sealant in the corners to get to air.
Seal your hood completely, otherwise the crabs will get out. They can survive for a few hours out of water, but they must immerse themselves to wet their gills.
I keep mine in an Eclipse 3 system. The crab climbs up the filter and sits on a little support beam, and he also gets on top of the filter cartridge and sifts through the detritus for additional food. Fiddler crabs are scavengers and will eat anything. That goes without saying they make one of the best bottom feeders.
Try to keep 1 crab per tank unless you have an aquarium larger than ten gallons. Crabs are fry-friendly and do not attack fish.
Suitable tankmates include guppies, mollies, and other livebearers that can tolerate salt. However, pufferfish will dine on your crab immediately.