Species Name : Uca sp.
Care Level : Easy
Temperament : Peaceful
Color : Red
Diet : Omnivore, Scavenger
Reef Compatible : Yes
Water Conditions : 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size : 2"
Origin : Indo-Pacific
Family : Ocypodidae
Supplements : Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Red Burrowing Crabs are an interesting addition to the marine aquarium and are still a mystery. It seems most likely that they are from the genus 'Uca', quite possibly the female of a species of fiddler crab but we have as of yet been unable to confirm it.
The Red Burrowing Crabs are bright reddish-orange with roughly square bodies, and dark eye stalks, undersides and mandibles (mouth parts).
There stunning colors and interesting behavior drives the allure behind these crabs. To care for them properly you need to provide an area whereby they can get out of the water, it can be a small rocky protrusion or a full on sanded beach area. As the name suggests they also like to bury themselves and dig around in sand and rubble so no bare bottom tanks for these crabs.
They can climb, so be sure to have the proper lid for your aquarium. The Burrowing Crab is a great addition to your aquarium especially if you have a sand bed that needs stirring.
They are reef safe, leaving corals and other invertebrates alone. They can also be kept in groups, showing no agression at all.
As are most crabs, the red burrowing crab is a scavenger feeding on algae, detritus and waste found in the sand. In the aquarium it will eat meaty frozen or live foods, and can be "trained' to come out to grab its food.
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