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Crabs: Crabs are classified into 16 different
families groups. Their body shape is more compressed, flattened, and/or oval than their close cousins, the shrimp. Found in
nearly all marine environments, Crabs can range from less than an inch to over 12 inches in diameter. The most familiar
genus, the Hermit Crab, will wrap their abdomen into the empty shell of a snail. The Porcelain Crab usually associated
with Anemones, while the Boxing Crab carries Anemones on his claws. Horseshoe Crabs are not really crabs, but are more
closely related to spiders and mites.
All crustaceans molt or shed their outer shell in order to grow and regenerate lost appendages. Their new shell will harden within a few days. Crabs are scavengers, and will eat any edible matter they find, be it animal or plant material. Some will require a deep substrate to burrow in during the day, while others are always on the move. They are generally intolerant of poor water quality. Crabs can provide an invaluable "cleaner" function, consuming both undesirable algae and detritus, and mixing the sand. Generally active, they are an interesting addition to the aquarium. Click on thumbnails for more information.
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