CRABS IN AQUARIUMS

[BRASILSTEVE]

Since moving to Brasil 2 years ago, I have always kept a blue claw in a saltwater aquarium. I currently have a purple crab, missing the rear leg on it's port side with some barnacles on it's shell.

Usually, I keep the big 'uns to see how large I can grow them. Now I am studying regeneration and the best baits for the region.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has raised crabs in aquariums, people with knowledge of purple crabs and especially the conditions in which the aquariums are kept.

I currently keep my aquarium at 76 degrees F, salinity at 18 PPT which is a specific gravity of about 1.013. Feed daily with shrimp.

Also, I have some pics I would like to pass on but can not figure out how to do so. So, since all you northern hemispherians are not crabbing,
( Chesapeake Bay anyway ) how about some easy instructions.

Many Thanks

[jeff l]

Whats a purple crab? If its like a blue crab, the ideal temp is 72 and 7 to 15 ppt also the above bluecrab link has stuff about regeneration.

How big is your aquarium?

[BRASILSTEVE]

Aquarium is about 35 gallons. 3.5" of washed river sand on the bottom. No plants, fish or other crabs.

Some time back I tred to keep 2 small crabs but one quickly became dominate and patrolled the top of the sand and the other stayed hidden in the sand. Finally took the submissive crab back to the river and released it.

The purple crab is exactly like the blue crabs I always have but the claws are a deep purple instead of blue. I'm not sure if it is a blue crab with excessive pigmentation, caused by diet or environmental factors.

This site sells a shirt with a picture of a purple crab so I figure it must be somewhat common.

[jeff l]

have you been able to get the crab to molt? is the purple crab a female? b/c female crabs claws are different.

when you had two crabs in your tank you could have had a male and female or the smaller crab could have been about to molt and feared the other (eater) crab.

-----Jeff

[BRASILSTEVE]

Hi Jeff,

Crab is definately male as were the smaller ones earlier.

I caught him Oct. 28. I think he is showing red sign but is difficult to tell with overall darker color. He did stop eating about 4 days ago so I expect him to molt shortly.

Pics attached.

Steve

[jeff l]

Does anybody know why this crab is purple?

[jeff l]

Another sign that the crab is about to molt is if you can see the  missing rear leg forming a little; the crab should molt soon.

[Nawlinscrabs]

I've seen one purpl crab since I have been in business, it was caught by a friend, it was a large full male about 7 1/2 inches and was even more purple than the one you have I have no idea what causes it, I would think it has something to do with the pigmentation in the shell, Have also seen several pure white crabs or partually white on parts of the shell or claws.  It would be intersting to see if that crab woll show the same coloring after it molts. 

[Steve]

Here's my crab eating his dinner. I've had him for over a year now. 

[R D]

His crab should have molted by now,if you look at the pic. you can see the shell starting to raise and split at the back of the crab, and yes he will carry his color and all markings with him after the molt.

[BRASILSTEVE]

I regret to report that the purple crab has gone to crab heaven. Was dead this morning when I went to check on him.

I have absolutely no idea why. I'll do a complete water analysis today to determine if that was the problem.

Anyway, guess I'll go crabbing this weekend to see if I can find another.

 

[jeff l]

Sorry about your purple crab

[tattoo]

Sorry abour your crab, good luck in getting another one.

[tattoo]

Steve, great pictures of your crab. Thanks.