Fresh Water Crabs

Care Sheet

  
 

Fresh water crabs (holthuisana sp.) are normally found in inland rivers, billabongs and dams in northern Australian regions. The different species of fresh water crabs come in varying colour patterns, from tiger stripe to an attractive pale fawn colour with a chocolate brown irregular band crossing from front to the back of the carapace.

In nature they frequent inland rivers and billabongs that dry up seasonally. They burrow deep into the sand or mud awaiting the next rainy season.

 

 

  
 

The crabs can construct burrows around 60 cm long. The humid air trapped inside the burrows gives the crabs enough moisture to survive until wet weather returns.

They require a temperature between 18°C and 25°C. Ensure the temp doesn't fall below the minimum though. A general water hardness of 100-200ppm and a pH of 7.0 is also required. Like any other aquarium pet, water quality is important, they cannot survive for long in soft or acidic water. Due to their temperature requirements, these crabs can be kept with tropical or cold water fish.

 

  
 

 

 Fresh water crabs shouldn't be kept with slow moving fish, or other invertebrates and snails etc. They WILL eat them. Sick or dying fish will quickly be devoured. When mixing species you should ensure you have plenty of hiding places for both the crabs and the fish.

Fresh water crabs make fascinating pets. They are active, hardy and a delight to watch.

 

  
 

Basic Requirements

If you are about to get any fresh water crabs, you need to make sure you have the basic requirements, before you even bring them home! Here is a list of the basic requirements for any fresh water crabs.

  • Bowl, Aquarium or Pond
  • Filtration (under gravel, corner or power filter)
  • Aeration (air pump & air stone)
  • Lighting (or natural light)
  • Substrate (gravel, sand, pebbles etc.)
  • Food (just about any fresh, frozen or dried fish foods)
  • Treated/Stabilized Water

 

  
 

Optional Requirements

  • Filters
  • Aeration
  • UV Lighting
  • Ornaments
  • Plants (live or plastic)
  • Test Kits (pH, ammonia etc)
  • Aquarium Backing

 

  
 

Breakdown

Suitable For People Aged:
Experience Required:
Feeding Care Time Required:
Maintenance Time Required:
Minimum Space Required:
Cost of Upkeep: (approx)
Life Span: (approx)
Availability:


 

10 And Up (they bite!)
None / Care Sheet & Info
5 Min a Day
1/2 Hour a Week
Bowl, Pond or Aquarium
$8 Per Week (Power Required)
5 Years
All Year

 

  
 

Fresh Water Crab Care Sheet

To read our care sheet, simply click the link above to open it in your browser. However, if you want to download it to your computer for future reference, simply 'right click' on the document and select "Save Target As...". Then simply choose a location (like your desktop) to save. You will need Acrobat to read and print these documents.