 Crustaceans refers to shimp, lobster and crabs.
Crustaceans are invertebrates and are very sensitive to water quality.
They should not form part of
a beginner's aquarium. Copper sulphate is the most common cure for
saltwater fish disease, but even trace amounts will kill
invertebrates. Don't use common copper in your reef tank!
Shrimp
Some of the more popular shrimps are
Banded Coral ( Stenopus hispidus) - red and white
banding. This is the most popular coral shrimp and one of the
most expensive. Be careful as it will eat small fish. -
Cleaner (Lysmata amboinensis) - red and white stripe down the back.
These are fairly easy to keep.
-
Blood (Lysmata debelius) - red with white spots
-
Candycane (Periclimenes brevcarpalis)
Make sure that a regular food supply is reaching the bottom of the tank for
your shrimp. Shrimp will eat frozen and freeze dried foods, including
brine shrimp and flakes.
Crabs
Some of the more popular crabs are:
-
Anemone crab (Neopetrolisthes ohshimia) - so named
because they live in anemones
-
Arrow crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis) - these are not
compatible with Banded Coral Shrimp
-
Hermit crabs (Dardanus megistos)
If you are keeping crabs, you will need to ensure that they have replacement
shells when they outgrow their existing ones. Make sure that a regular
food supply is reaching the bottom of the tank for your crabs. Crabs will
generally eat the same foods as your fish.
Tim's Tropical Fish Information about freshwater and
saltwater tropical fish, fish care, fish facts, compatibility and aquarium
maintenance.
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