Page 293 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CRUSTACEANS 291

Dardanus lagopodes Panulirus versicolor Lissocarcinus laevis
Blade-Eyed Hermit Crab Purple Spiny Lobster Harlequin Swimming Crab

ORIGINS From the Red Sea eastward throughout the ORIGINS The Pacific region, especially around Singapore ORIGINS Widely distributed throughout the entire
entire Indo-Pacific region. and parts of Indonesia. Indo-Pacific region.
SIZE Body is 2 ⁄2 in (6 cm) long. SIZE Body is 9 in (22.5 cm) long. SIZE Body is 1 ⁄4 in (3 cm) across.
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DIET Proprietary hermit crab food or meat-based foods, DIET Fish, shrimp, and tablet food. Should be fed a DIET Animal-based foods. Provide relatively small pieces
including pieces of fish and shellfish. relatively small quantity once a day. that can be consumed easily.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
Hermit crabs are unsuited to reef aquariums because This red-and-white crab must always be housed
they will prey on the occupants. They are best kept alongside tube anemones, with which it forms a
in a tank with nonaggressive fish, where they close association. Like other types of swimming
may prove useful in finishing off uneaten food. crab, it has paddlelike hind legs that help it to
Hermit crabs do not have their own shells but take swim efficiently. It is possible to sex this species by
over those of mollusks, swapping to larger shells examining the underside of the body, since males
as they grow. Make sure there is a series of have a narrower, more triangular abdominal region
larger shells available in the tank for this purpose. than females. Breeding in aquariums has yet to be
achieved with this rather solitary crab.

This large lobster can be identified by its banded
body patterning, striped legs, and the blue area on
its tail. The antennae, which help the lobster to find
food, are often longer than the body, so a spacious
tank is required. If an antenna breaks off, it should
regrow over successive molts, but not necessarily
to its original length. The Purple Spiny Lobster can
be housed safely with large companions.

Allogalathea elegans
BOXING CHAMP
Feather Star Squat Lobster
Some crustaceans evade danger by hiding claw forward, followed by the other, like a
ORIGINS Widely distributed throughout the entire under the sand, or among the stinging tentacles boxer delivering punches. This is enough to
Indo-Pacific region. of anemones, while others rely on camouflage to persuade most predators to back off. The
SIZE Body is 1 ⁄4 in (2 cm) long. conceal their presence. The Common Boxing Boxing Crab lets go of its anemones only when
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DIET Prefers thawed foods, but will also take small Crab (Lybia tessellata), shown here, has a more it molts, picking them up again when its new
freeze-dried items. direct way of protecting itself: it carries a small exoskeleton hardens. If the crab is challenged
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline anemone in each claw and uses them like before this, it responds as though it were still
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. weapons. If threatened, the crab thrusts one holding the anemones.
These tiny lobsters have a striped, egg-shaped body.
They should not be mixed with larger predatory
species of any kind. The tank must include Feather
Starfish (see p.297), since the lobsters live among
their arms, avoiding detection by modifying their
coloration so that they blend in with their hosts.
Small crevices in nearby rockwork will serve as
hiding places for these shy, retiring lobsters.

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