Limulus polyphemus
Horseshoe Crab
Horseshoe Crab
SKU:I-CRB-008
Out of stock
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Easy
Peaceful
Not Reef Safe
Quick Information
Quick Information
- Care Level: Easy
- Reef Compatible: Not Reef Safe
- Temper: Peaceful
- Minimum Tank Size: 650 Liters
The Horseshoe Crab is greenish brown to light tan in color. The dorsal part of the body is rounded, and it has a long spike for a tail. The Horseshoe Crab is really not a crab, but more closely related to spiders and mites, belonging to a group of animals called chelicerates. Horseshoe Crabs can grow quite large. The female horseshoe crabs usually grow larger than the males, with their body reaching a maximum size of 12 inches in diameter. When small, they are very efficient scavengers and are great for aerating and maintaining sand beds.
The Horseshoe Crabs dig through sand and gravel in search of worms and any organic debris. It will move the substrate around almost nonstop in its search for food. They are reef safe, but when they attain a large size, can be harmful to fish and invertebrates, especially worms and clams.
Although it may find some food scavenging, its diet should be supplemented with meaty items such as pieces of squid and shrimp.
