Difference between revisions of "Limulus polyphemus"
From The Aquarium Wiki
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*[http://eol.org/pages/393278/overview Encyclopedia of Life] | *[http://eol.org/pages/393278/overview Encyclopedia of Life] | ||
*[http://www.arkive.org/horseshoe-crab/limulus-polyphemus/ Arkive] | *[http://www.arkive.org/horseshoe-crab/limulus-polyphemus/ Arkive] | ||
+ | *[http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=747+2663+614&pcatid=614 Liveaquaria] | ||
+ | *[https://bluezooaquatics.com/productdetail.asp?cid=80&pid=1126&did=2 Blue Zoo Aquatics] | ||
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[[Category:Invertebrates (Saltwater)]] | [[Category:Invertebrates (Saltwater)]] | ||
[[Category:Crabs (Saltwater)]] | [[Category:Crabs (Saltwater)]] |
Revision as of 07:02, 13 November 2017
Horseshoe Crab
Limulus polyphemus
681 Litres (180 US G.)
20.32-60.96 cm (8-24")
8.1 - 8.5
3 -26 °C (37.4-78.8°F)
10-15 °d
1:1 M:F
20-40 years
This animal is available captive bred
Contents
Alternative names
- Atlantic Horseshoe Crab, Horsefoot Crab, King Crab, Pan Crab
Origin
- Across the Atlantic coast, but occasionally stray ones can be found in Europe.
Sexing
- Males are 1/3 the size of females, which grow up to 2 feet.
Tank compatibility
- Peaceful, but has a tendency to bulldoze objects, including invertebrates on the substrate. Keep that in mind when setting up the Environment to house them.
Diet
- Omnivorous; will scavenge, or hunt sand dwelling organisms like mollusks, and worms. Will willingly eat any foods given to them.
Feeding regime
- Daily
Environment Specifics
- Best kept in a spacious environment for it to move around in.
Behaviour
- Can knock over objects, as well as invertebrates, placed in the substrate. A spacious environment is ideal.
Identification
- Large crab-like animal with a roughly horseshoe-shaped shell and a long, straight tail spine. The underside is equipped with numerous legs, with the male's hind legs modified for gripping onto females during mating.
Notes
- When the crabs spawn, they congregate on the beach in masses. The males find a female, and ride on top of them until they reach a spot to lay eggs in. The eggs provide an important source of nourishment for seabirds, alligators, sea turtles, and fish.
- This species is so adaptable, it can be found from the cold waters of Northern Canada to the tropical waters of Florida, the Caribbean, and the Yucatan peninsula.