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Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Merostomata
Range: Caribbean, Atlantic Ocean
Size: 24 in. Space:: 180+ gal. Diet: Snails, bristle worms, benthic invertebrates
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: Horseshoe Crabs are primitive arthropods that patrol the waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. They comb through the sand for food and eat the benthic invertebrates they find there. They are actually not crustaceans but are closely related to them.
Husbandry: The Horseshoe Crab grows to a very large size and requires a very large space to thrive in. They normally scavenge the sandy ocean bottom for benthic invertebrates. They require frequent feeding.