If you want to add an interesting and beautiful crab species to your aquarium, consider getting a red claw crab (Perisesarma bidens). There is a good chance that you want to keep a Red clawed crab but don’t know how to take care of it. You have come to the right place. Below I have laid out a complete guide to keeping, caring, and breeding for this species of crab.
Red claw crabs are classic brackish water, mangrove crabs. They have a lot of character, personality, and can be a great addition to your home tank. The only rule here is that they are not fully aquatic. Red claw crabs can spend half of their time in land. This is absolutely crucial for their breathing.
In recent years, interest in alternative species in aquariums has increased considerably. Red claw crab is one of the most traded crab species. Unfortunately, a lot of retailers still continue to sell them as “freshwater crabs” or “aquatic crabs”.
Red claw crabs are a popular freshwater crab species kept by aquarium hobbyists With their bright red claws and small size, they add lots of visual interest to planted tanks Shrimp are another favorite aquarium inhabitant appreciated for their colors and activity. So it’s natural for aquarists to wonder – can you keep red claw crabs and shrimp together?
The short answer is yes, you can keep red claw crabs with certain shrimp species under the right tank conditions. However, caution is required as red claws are opportunistic omnivores and may prey on shrimp. Proper precautions need to be taken to reduce chances of the crabs attacking and eating shrimp tankmates.
In this article. we will cover everything you need to know about mixing red claw crabs and shrimp including
- Red claw crab basics and care
- Shrimp species that can work with red claws
- Steps to set up a red claw and shrimp tank
- Feeding and diet considerations
- Other tankmates to avoid issues
- Monitoring for signs of trouble
- Tips to maintain harmony long-term
An Overview of Red Claw Crab Basics
Before mixing red claw crabs and shrimp, it’s important to understand some crab care basics
Red claw crabs, scientific name Perisesarma bidens, originate from freshwater streams in parts of Africa and Asia. They get their name from the bright red tips on their front claws. They are also called mini crabs or dwarf crabs due to their small size, maxing out at 2-3 inches as adults.
These freshwater crabs need the following tank conditions to thrive:
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Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a pair, larger is better. They are active and need space.
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Temperature: 72-82°F. They prefer warm tropical water.
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pH: 6.5-8.0. Neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.
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Water Hardness: 5-12 KH. They prefer soft to medium hardness.
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Filtration: Moderate current. They dislike strong water flow.
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Decor: Plants, rocks, driftwood. Give them climbing areas and hiding spots.
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Substrate: Sand or very fine gravel. Can’t have sharp substrate that damages claws and legs.
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Tankmates: Peaceful fish, snails, some shrimp. No nippy or aggressive fish.
So red claw crabs need properly prepared habitats to thrive. Factor this into deciding if they are suitable to mix with shrimp.
Best Shrimp Species for Housing with Red Claws
Not all shrimp species are recommended for keeping with red claw crabs. Some shrimp are too small and vulnerable. Others may nip at crabs.
The best shrimp options include:
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Amano Shrimp – Their larger size makes them less likely prey. Peaceful temperament.
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Bamboo Shrimp – Too large for crabs to bother. Filter feeding shrimp.
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Ghost Shrimp – Quick swimmers that can evade crabs. Very inexpensive.
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Cherry Shrimp – Quick and can hide well in planted tanks. Vibrant color.
Avoid tiny shrimp like dwarf shrimp species and expensive, delicate shrimp. Stick to the hardy, fast shrimp above for best luck with red claw crabs.
Setting Up the Tank for Red Claw Crabs and Shrimp
The tank setup needs to provide safety for the shrimp and ample territory for the crabs. Some key steps include:
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Tank Size – Bigger is better! Aim for 20+ gallons to spread out territories.
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Plants – Heavily plant the tank, leaving open spaces for crabs. Floating, moss, stem plants. Give shrimp spots to hide.
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Hardscape – Include rock caves, wood tunnels, decor the shrimp can hide in.
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Sections – Use hardscape to section off crab and shrimp areas. This reduces contact.
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Substrate – Sand is ideal. Shrimp can bury and hide. Crabs can dig and forage.
Take time preparing the tank and don’t rush the introduction. Observe behaviors once both are added and make any needed adjustments. The setup should discourage crabs from hunting shrimp.
Feeding Your Red Claw Crab and Shrimp Tank
Diet and feeding routine is another key factor in maintaining a stable red claw crab and shrimp population.
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Varied Diet – Offer protein, veggies, calcium-rich foods. This prevents crabs seeing shrimp as food.
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Shrimp Safe Foods – Avoid feeds with copper. Get shrimp-tailored supplements.
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Separate Feeding – Distract crabs with crab pellets on one end during shrimp feeding time.
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Remove Uneaten Food – Don’t let excess food accumulate and foul water.
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Supplements – Add minerals and calcium via cuttlebone or supplements.
Vary food types and locations. Target feed the shrimp area. This reduces food competition between the species. Observe feeding time behaviors to spot any emerging problems.
Choosing Additional Tankmates
Other fish and creatures can be added to further discourage red claw crabs from bothering shrimp. Some options:
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Snails – Help eat algae. Distract crabs from shrimp as prey.
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Bottom Dwellers – Loaches, cory cats. Too active for crabs to catch.
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Middle Swimmers – Tetras, rasboras, danios. Draw attention from shrimp.
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Surface Fish – Hatchetfish, gobies. Top area leaves shrimp space below.
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Algae Eaters – Plecos, otocinclus. Help keep tank clean.
Avoid aggressive species or fish that may nip at crab antennae and claws. Bottom dwellers and algae eaters are great tankmate choices.
Signs of Trouble Between Red Claws and Shrimp
Be alert and watch for the following trouble signs:
- Missing shrimp numbers
- Damaged shrimp
- Dead shrimp remains
- Crabs chasing or grabbing at shrimp
- Shrimp hiding and not eating
- Increased shrimp deaths
At the first signs of crab aggression towards shrimp, act quickly. Remove offenders, create shrimp safe zones with dividers, or consider rehoming the red claws.
Preventing issues is easier than solving them later. So observe tank frequently for any concerning behaviors between the species.
Tips for Long-Term Harmony
Here are some extra tips for maintaining a thriving red claw crab and shrimp tank long-term:
- Maintain stable, pristine water quality. Key for health.
- Do weekly partial water changes. Keeps parameters in check.
- Test ammonia, nitrites, nitrates routinely.
- Ensure adequate oxygenation and filtration.
- Provide variety of hiding spots and line of sight breaks.
- Scatter shrimp supplements after molts for extra calcium.
- Have backup tank ready. Easier to remove problems early.
Follow these best practices and you are on your way to an active, balanced freshwater community tank! Red claw crabs and shrimp can coexist, with care taken setting up their environment.
With the right species selections, tank preparations, feeding, and maintenance, your red claw crab and shrimp tank can thrive for years to come. Do your research, go slowly introducing species, and be vigilant for potential issues. The result will be a beautiful and fascinating freshwater ecosystem in your home.
Red Claw Crabs Description
Red claw crabs vary in shades of red, to flaming orange. Their shells are covered in brown spots. The males tend to be brighter and more colorful than the females. The tips of the claws will be a yellowish color, ranging in shade from pale to bright.
The carapace of an adult Red claw crab only grows to about 1. 5 – 2 inches long (3. 5 – 5 cm), with a leg span up to 4 inches (about 10 cm). They are smaller than most aquarium crab species. This is the reason they are sometimes known as Mini crabs.
Red claw crabs have two “teeth” (lat. bidēns – having two blades or teeth) on the lateral sides of the carapace.
Red claw crabs have a gill chamber (not a lung). The gill chamber is located under the carapace near the first pair of walking legs. As long as their gills stay moist, they can be out of the water.
Interesting fact: Red claw crabs have special plates that cover their gills and keep them moist by blocking dry air from getting in. Although they have a gill, they are still semi-aquatic and require fresh air as well.
Important: Do not put a Red claw crab in a tank that is filled up with water. That way, they can get to the surface and breathe. They need land, a place log, or a rock. Otherwise, they will drown.
Natural Habitat of Red Claw Crabs
The red claw crab is also called the Perisesarma Bidens, the Mini crab, or the Sesarma Moeschi. It is sometimes sold under these names. The Asian mangrove swamps along the coast are home to this species of crab, which lives and thrives there. People often think they are freshwater crabs, and they can live in freshwater, but they do best in salty water.
The shallow mangrove swamps where they are found often mix with the seawater, which raises the salinity. This is where the misconception that they are freshwater crabs comes from.
Mangrove swamps are usually freshwater swamps, not brackish ones. However, the water in the ones where Red claw crabs live will always be a little salty because they are near the water.
Here Are 15 Freshwater Crabs YOU Can Keep!
FAQ
Can crabs and shrimp live together?
Can a red claw crab live in a fish tank?
Can red claw crabs eat meat?
Yes, red claw crabs can eat meat. They are omnivores, so their diet should include a variety of meat-based and plant-based food. You can provide brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small pieces of fish as part of their diet. What are suitable tank mates?
Do Red Claw Crabs live in freshwater?
Red Claw Crabs are native to Asia, specifically in shallow rivers and estuaries. They prefer brackish water environments to thrive and won’t reach their full life expectancy in freshwater-only tanks. Keep in mind that proper water conditions are essential for your crab’s health and longevity.
Can Red Claw Crabs coexist with fish?
While Red Claw Crabs can coexist with certain fish species, it is essential to choose their tank mates carefully. These crabs can be territorial and might view smaller fish as potential prey. It is best to avoid keeping them with fish that have long, flowing fins, as the crabs may nip at them.
Can Red Claw Crabs live together?
When planning the tank set up, it’s essential to have enough room for both underwater and dry land areas, as Red Claw Crabs need a mix of both environments. When it comes to keeping Red Claw Crabs together, it’s best to stick to a single male with one or two females. Housing multiple males together is not recommended, as they are prone to fighting.