Arrow crab Stenorhynchus seticornis

Stenorhynchus seticornis

Arrow crab

The arrow crab, also called the spider crab, has extremely long legs. It gets its name from the shape of its body and head. Its size varies, often reaching 15 cm, and some up to 25 cm. Females can be considerably smaller. Different species live in different parts of the world. The most common arrow crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis) is native to the Caribbean, but other species are imported from the Indo-Pacific region, East Africa, and California. It typically inhabits areas of the reef, usually associated with a small cave or crevice.
It is a hardy and long-lived invertebrate that can be kept in reef aquariums. This crab is known to attack crustaceans such as coral shrimp, and may even prey on small, slow-moving fish. All crabs are opportunistic feeders and, in times of food scarcity, may peck at fungi or polyps. However, arrow crabs may benefit from feeding on small polychaete worms, which some consider pests. Raising arrow crabs in aquariums is generally not very successful. The larvae are free-swimming and hatch after about two weeks. They will accept almost any meaty, flake, and tablet food.

Approximate size at purchase: 2.5 to 10 cm

Level of care
Easy
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Color
Red, Fire
Diet
Carnivorous
Reef friendly
Yes
Water conditions
22-25°C, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max size.
15 cm
Family
Majidae
Supplements
Calcium, magnesium, iodine, trace elements
Compatibility