Calico Crab

General information

The calico crab is white in color with red patches that have darker-colored outline all over its carapace. Its carapace is nearly round in shape and can grow up to 3 inches wide. Its claws are broad. It lives 46 m (151 ft) below the sea and it prefers sandy and muddy substrates. 

It is an omnivore but it mainly subsists on fish, worms, clams, and other invertebrates.

The mature male crab has narrow abdomen (apron) while the mature female has broad, convex apron.

Females breed in summer and carry the eggs until they are ready to be hatched. The larvae are planktonic which has five zoea stages. Artificial breeding is difficult in the tanks.

Calico crab can be found from the Chesapeake Bay to as far as the Gulf of Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

Like most invertebrates, the Calico Crab does not do well if there are large swings in water parameters. It also does not tolerate any type of metal traces in the water, therefore, it should never be in contact with any copper medications.

Most invertebrates do not like large swings in water parameters and the Calico Crab is not an exception, so even though most hobbyists do not acclimate their cleaner crews it is suggested to do so. If you have a sump, float your cleaner crew in an area with low light to allow them to temperature acclimate first which should take about 15-20 min. Then it is best to slowly drip acclimate them to allow them to adjust to your water conditions.