Harlequin crab
| Harlequin crab | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harlequin Crab ( Cardisoma armatum ) |
||||||||||||
| Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Cardisoma armatum | ||||||||||||
| Herklots , 1851 |
The harlequin crab ( Cardisoma armatum ) is a large crab whose shell can be up to 20 centimeters wide. It belongs to the land crabs and only needs the proximity of fresh water to keep its gills moist. In Germany it is also known as the "African giant crab", "West African land crab", "Giant color crab" or "Tricolor crab".
features
The term harlequin crab refers to the colorful exterior of this land crab. The three colors red, blue and white gave the crab the name "tricolor crab", in the USA there is also the name "Patriot Crab" because it reflects the colors of the flag of the United States . Their armor is dark blue, the scissors (chelipedas) are light yellowish to white, the striding legs (pereiopods) are reddish in color.
distribution
The harlequin crab lives in the mangroves and the adjacent forests of West Africa from Cape Verde to Angola . The proximity to the sea or brackish water ( delta estuaries or estuaries of rivers) is important for reproduction.
nutrition
Like all land crabs, the harlequin crabs are omnivorous. They feed on both vegetable and carrion. In the aquaterrarium you can feed them with fruit or raw fish, but also with turtle food.
Reproduction
The harlequin crabs reproduce via the unspecialized developmental type typical of crabs, which consists of several free-floating larval stages (zoea larvae). These stages of development take place in the sea or brackish water.
attitude
Because of its size, the harlequin crab should be kept in an aqua terrarium 100 cm in length. Their way of life requires a land share of at least 50%, which should consist of soft substrate, so that they can create their dwellings. Due to its pronounced territorial behavior, this land crab is not suitable for socialization with other crabs, not even within its own species. Smaller animals and any vegetation are viewed as a source of food. It is not possible to breed in fresh water.
literature
- Uwe Werner, Aqua-Log Special: Shrimps, crabs, and crabs in freshwater aquariums ISBN 3-931702-52-9