Flame Box Crab

General information

The Flame-box Crab is so named because its chelae (claws) are large enough to cover its face, making it look like it is enclosed in a box. Its carapace is bulky and rounded that it can grow up to 10 cm (3.9 in) wide. It is grayish in color with purple-brown streaks on the carapace and banding on the chelae. It lives on sandy bottoms ranging from 1 m to 15 m deep. 

The Flame Box Crab is a carnivore.

It can be found all over the waters of Caribbean.

Like most invertebrates, the Flame Box 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 Flame Box 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.