What Do Crabs Eat in an Aquarium?

From bright hermit crabs to large red claw crabs, crustaceans make fascinating exotic aquatic pets. However, their diversity means feeding requirements vary significantly between crab groups. Understanding optimal nutrition helps these animals thrive in home aquariums.

Hermit Crabs

Land hermit crabs comprise some of the most popular pet crabs. Their diets differ greatly from marine crabs.

Commercial Diets
Supplement pelleted hermit crab diets with fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats and calcium/protein sources. Quality pellets provide a nutritionally balanced base.

Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh produce like apples, mango, melon, spinach, sweet potato and carrots satisfy dietary needs. Only feed small bite-sized pieces to prevent choking hazards.

Protein Foods
Offer tiny pieces of unseasoned chicken, fish, egg, shrimp or mealworms 2-3 times weekly. These protein sources aid exoskeleton growth during molting.

Water
Provide both fresh and saltwater pools in the crabitat. Use dechlorinated fresh water and marine salt mixes for hydration and shell cleaning.

Red Claw Crabs

Red claw crabs (Perisesarma bidens) rank among aquarists’ favorites for their bright colors and feisty personalities. They eat both plant and animal material.

Meaty Foods
At least 50% of their diet should consist of proteins, including raw seafood like shrimp, fish fillets, mussels and squid which red claw crabs eagerly accept. Introduce new meats slowly.

Vegetable Content
Chopped greens, veggies and aquatic plants provide essential vitamins and nutrients. Favorites include zucchini, spinach, lettuce and water hyacinth among others.

Algae Wafers
Sinking algae wafers make excellent crab foods, providing trace nutrients they instinctively seek in pond and marine environments. Just don’t rely solely on dried foods.

Marine Crabs

Assigning appropriate foods for marine crabs depends upon species. Research individual needs carefully.

Meaty Seafood
Whole marine crabs generally scavenge a carnivorous diet consisting of chopped seafood, whole fish, shrimp, squid, mussels and similar meat proteins.

Algae and Plants
Some marine crabs graze heavily upon algae and aquatic vegetation as well. When keeping plant-eating varieties provide a mix of spirulana, nori, aquatic moss, blanched veggies and algae wafers.

Conclusion

Providing optimal nutrition involves tailoring crab diets based on individual species traits and needs. Research both ingredients and proper portion sizes carefully. With a balanced, diverse diet most aquarium crabs readily thrive in captivity long-term.

FAQs About Aquarium Crab Diets

1. How often should you feed pet crabs?
Land hermit crabs fare best offered small meals of chopped produce and proteins 2-3 times weekly. For water crabs provide bites 1-2 times daily but remove uneaten food within a few hours.

2. Do crabs need a calcium supplement?
Yes, all pet crabs require supplemental calcium from cuttlebone, crushed eggshell or powdered supplements to properly harden their shells after molting.

3. Can crabs eat vegetables?
Absolutely. Veggies like sweet potato, zucchini, squash and spinach provide hermit and red claw crabs essential vitamins and aid digestion. Blanch prior to feeding.

4. Why is my crab only eating fish food?
Crabs often prefer the strong aroma of fish foods. But an all-seafood diet lacks proper nutritional balance long-term in captivity. Introduce alternate options slowly.

5. Are pellets good for crabs?
High-quality aquatic pellets formulated specifically for crabs offer a nutritionally sound staple diet. Just don’t rely solely on dry foods. Supplement with vegetables, nuts and proteins too.