Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus)

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Horseshoe Crab

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Atlantic Horseshoe Crab

Limulus polyphemus

681 Litres (180 US G.)

20.32-60.96 cm (8-24")

pH

8.1 - 8.5

3 -26 °C (37.4-78.8°F)

10-15 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

20-40 years


This animal is available captive bred




Alternative names

Atlantic Horseshoe Crab, Horsefoot Crab, King Crab, Pan Crab

Origin

Across the Atlantic coast, but occasionally stray ones can be found in Europe.

Sexing

Males are 1/3 the size of females, which grow up to 2 feet.

Tank compatibility

Peaceful, but has a tendency to bulldoze objects, including invertebrates on the substrate. Keep that in mind when setting up the Environment to house them.

Diet

Omnivorous; will scavenge, or hunt sand dwelling organisms like mollusks, and worms. Will willingly eat any foods given to them.

Feeding regime

Daily

Environment Specifics

Best kept in a spacious environment for it to move around in.

Behaviour

Can knock over objects, as well as invertebrates, placed in the substrate. A spacious environment is ideal.

Identification

Large crab-like animal with a roughly horseshoe-shaped shell and a long, straight tail spine. The underside is equipped with numerous legs, with the male's hind legs modified for gripping onto females during mating.

Notes

  • When the crabs spawn, they congregate on the beach in masses. The males find a female, and ride on top of them until they reach a spot to lay eggs in. The eggs provide an important source of nourishment for seabirds, alligators, sea turtles, and fish.
  • This species is so adaptable, it can be found from the cold waters of Northern Canada to the tropical waters of Florida, the Caribbean, and the Yucatan peninsula.

Pictures

External links