How to Take Care of Freshwater Crabs

Freshwater crabs are small scavenger crustaceans found in rivers, streams, lakes and other inland bodies of water. They can make interesting pets and a great addition to an already established aquarium with other fish, provided the water temperature and balance levels are compatible. They should not be placed with slow-moving fish as they will eat whatever they can catch. They are also escape artists, so a well-sealed aquarium is key.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium with lid
  • Filter
  • Plants and rocks
  • Water pH kit
  • Thermometer
  • Heater
  • Dry, flaked, frozen or pelleted fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase an appropriate size aquarium if you do not already have one. There should be about one square foot of floor space per crab. Make sure to purchase a tight-fitting lid that will thwart any escape attempts.

    • 2

      Set up a water filtration system. Check the filter daily. There are a variety of filters. The most user friendly is the power filter, which hangs on the outside of the tank. Follow the manufacturer instructions for installing your choice of filter.

    • 3

      Place plastic or live plants, rocks, and/or other decorations on the bottom of the aquarium to provide hiding places for the crab. Rocks most closely replicate their natural environment.

    • 4

      Test the water by using a thermometer and a pH kit. The temperature should be between 70 degrees and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, or 18 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius. The pH level should be around 7, and the General Hardness near 100ppm. Check the temperature daily, and change the water weekly.

    • 5

      Feed the crabs once daily making sure the food reaches the bottom of the tank. Appropriate foods include any manufactured dry, flaked, frozen or pelleted fish food. Algae wafers and shrimp pellets are good options. Crabs are scavengers and will eat any natural algae that forms in the tank, and clean up food and feces dropped by fish living in the tank. If there are food remnants consistently leftover in your aquarium, you are over-feeding.

    • 6

      Watch for signs of an unhealthy crab, including a poor appetite, inactivity, and duller-than-normal coloring.