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Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Crustacea
Range: Central Pacific Ocean (Hawaiian Islands)
Size: 2 in. Space:: 20+ gal. Diet: Algae, detritus
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Caution
Natural History: The Strawberry Crab is found in rocky areas climbing over rocks in search of food. Its unusual claw design allows it to efficiently pick algae from rocks.
Husbandry: The Strawberry Crab should be housed in a system with live rock and a healthy growth of algae. If algae growth is insufficient to feed the crab its diet should be supplemented with some type of algae. It is reef safe and will not harm corals. It is omnivorous and will generally scavenge food that is left uneaten by fish. As with all crabs, it may be aggressive toward other crustaceans but this species is generally reported to be peaceful.
AKA: Red Boxing Crab