How to Keep a Freshwater Crab

When looking for a freshwater crab to keep, remember there are several varieties. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, "Almost one-fifth of the world's crabs are restricted to freshwater, a total of 1,281 species." Some fare better in captivity than others. The Clibanarius fonticola, a type of freshwater hermit crab, does not survive anywhere but its natural habitat, and is a protected species. However, other freshwater crabs, like different species of hermit crabs, fiddler and red claw crabs, thrive when kept in a contained environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Covered aquarium
  • Food
  • Decorative items
  • Light
  • Thermometer
  • Water testing kit
  • Water conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy an aquarium large enough so each crab has at least 1 square foot to claim as his own.

    • 2

      Fill the bottom of the aquarium substrate using small pebbles or sand. Add fresh water. Test the water quality, and, if necessary, add water conditioner to ensure the pH levels are safe for the crabs. Keep the water between 70 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 3

      Decorate the aquarium with plants, rocks, shells and hiding spots for the crabs. Place rocks, small logs or large shells so the top of them breaches the surface of the water. This gives the crabs a dry area to hang out.

    • 4

      Feed the crabs various foods, like plankton, shrimp, packaged crab food and fish food prepared for scavengers. It can be dried, flaked, frozen, live or pellets, just as long as most of it sinks. Crabs scavenge for food, mostly eating organic bits of food found in their environment.

    • 5

      Leave an abandoned exo-skeleton in the aquarium for up to a week. The crab will eat some of it, which provides it with needed nutrients.