Fiddler crab care?

Question

I work at a pet store and I keep getting customers asking about fiddler crabs. It seems that a teacher at a local elementary or middle school is giving away these crabs since they are learning about ecosystems.

I have been looking online for good care sheets with lots of info, and I think I have found one (http://www.elmersaquarium.com/10fidderlercrab.htm)

First, I'd like to know what you think the minimum sized cage should be.

Now I know that the temperature should be between 75-85 degrees, but how do I obtain this? Could I use a heat lamp, or does the water and land need to be at that temp? Also, could I use aquarium pH up/down to make the water a pH of 8.0-8.2? If I need to know anything else, please let me know.

Sorry about all the questions, but I'd like to help out these parents the best I can. I don't want all these fiddler crabs to dies becuase no one knows what their doing! Thanks!

Answer 1

Here's the caresheet I've been posting with my answers to questions about these.

They should have at least a 10 gallon tank, with an area where they can climb completely out of the water, a cover on the tank (they can easily climb electrical cords and airline tubing), and some salt in their water. They come from a brackish environment, so seasalt is preferred. If you carry the small (3 lb) boxes of Instant Ocean, that's great for them, and the buffer's already in the salt mix to raise the pH.

For heating, if there's enough water area, you can just use a submersible aquarium heater. You can also use a metal clip on or reptile fixture with a heat lamp and sit it on the tank cover if it's a screen top - a glass cover holds too much heat inside.

BTW, the Elmer's link you posted isn't working. If anyone else want to see that caresheet, here's a different link: http://www.elmersaquarium.com/45crabs.htm or http://www.elmersaquarium.com/10fidderlercrab.htm

Answer 2

Fiddler Crab Care Sheet

Answer 3

Taking care of your fiddler crab is not a difficult job. The first consideration is where the crab or crabs will be housed. You can fit three to five mid sized crabs in a 10 gallon aquarium. Build sandy slopes in the aquarium to give them a place to burrow. They also need lost of dry sand and rock areas that mimic their natural habitat. Some salt in the water is essential to recreating the brackish water environment fiddler crabs are accustomed to. Check the mixing requirements on the aquarium salt you purchase for preparation instructions. Without brackish water, your crabs may not be with you for a long time. An average water temperature of around 74-84 F would make your pets feel right at home. The fiddler crab, enjoys feeding off of death and destruction. Dead fish, algae, and other such organic matter is a special treat. This doesn't mean that you don't have to feed them. After all, if you keep a fairly clean aquarium, there may not be enough waste to feed on. So what do you feed scavengers? Your pet food store has an excellent choice of food specifically for your crabs. Ask for suggestions on seaweed, fresh fish, and dried shrimps. Do not overfeed. Check the aquarium water quality regularly. There are some very useful kits available for this purpose. Aim for the standard acidity of 8.0 to 8.2. Testing, cleaning and changing the water in your aquarium all contribute to a pleasant environment for your pet crabs Keeping and caring for your fiddler crab will provide you with many rewards, in the joy of watching these beautiful creatures, coexist within a carefully recreated environment, learning about them and their habits and watching them flourish.

Answer 4

i would use at least a 10 gallon tank and you can buy an aquarium heater at wal mart for less than 15 dollars they prefer to have some option to come out of the water but can live there entire life under water i think you can get like some kind of floating rock made for a turtle that would work or something like that they should also have a small amount of aquarium salt in there water. the most important thing is that you secure the lid with tape or something because they can and will crawl out and die

Answer 5

I have no idea.

what?