Fiddler Crab

Leptuca pugilator

Also known as: Atlantic Sand Fiddler Crab, Sand Fiddler

A charismatic crab whose males wave one oversized claw, suited to a brackish beach-style setup.

Water

Brackish

Temperature

72–80°F

pH

7.5–8.5

Hardness

10–20 dGH

Max size

1.5 in

Min tank

10 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Groups

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

2-3 years

Breeding

Egg-layer

Suitability

Intermediate

Origin

Atlantic coast of the United States, salt marshes and beaches

A brackish crab often sold as freshwater, it needs slightly salty water and a large sandy land area where it spends most of its time. It will drown without land. Males spar, so keep one male with a few females, and avoid tankmates it could grab.