Arrow Crabs are one of the more bizarre-looking crustaceans in the reefing hobby. These strange animals, while seemingly thin and harmless, are actually quite efficient predators and can make for unique clean-up-crew members. Most commonly kept to help deal with large bristleworm populations, these crabs are highly opportunistic predators. Unfortunately, arrow crabs generally do not make for good long-term reef inhabitants. In the absence of enough food to scavenge on, arrow crabs are well-known to scavenge on small invertebrates, corals, and even smaller fishes, given the opportunity. Arrow crabs are likely to thrive in larger systems where there may be more opportunities to forage throughout the day. Quick Care Guide Care Level: EasyMinimum Tank Size: 30 gallonsTemperament: Semi-Aggressive (predatory)Diet: Carnivorous ScavengerReef Safe: With cautionAdult Size: Leg span up to about 6 inchesRegion: Caribbean and Western AtlanticScientific Name: Stenorhynchus seticornis Tank Requirements Arrow crabs need plenty of rockwork to climb, with open areas where they can move their long, thin legs freely. Larger aquariums with abundant live rock provide more natural foraging and help reduce predation on tankmates. Diet and Feeding Arrow crabs are best known for hunting bristleworms, but they also scavenge leftover food. Target-feed mysis, chopped seafood, or sinking pellets three to four times per week. A well-fed arrow crab is much less likely to go after tankmates. Temperament and Tankmates Keep only one arrow crab per tank, since they fight with each other. Feather dusters, small ornamental shrimp, nudibranchs, and small or slow fish are at risk. Arrow crabs do well with medium to large, active fish such as tangs, angelfish, and larger wrasses. Avoid triggerfish, puffers, and hawkfish, which may prey on them. Reef Compatibility The Arrow Crab is reef safe with caution. It generally ignores stony corals, but a hungry crab may pick at soft coral polyps or small invertebrates. Water Parameters Temperature: 75–80°FSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026pH: 8.1–8.4Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH Acclimate slowly and keep conditions stable to support molting. Invertebrates are highly sensitive to copper, and copper-treated water or medications should never be added to an aquarium that houses them. Common Considerations One per tank: Arrow crabs are territorial toward their own kind. Not for feather duster tanks: They are well known to eat feather duster worms. Feed it regularly: Consistent feeding keeps predatory behavior in check. Great bristleworm control: Useful in systems with large bristleworm populations.
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