lt1fj40 Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 (edited) Does anyone know of any fish that would go with crabs, I know most community fish would but any cichlids? Thanks Edited July 13, 2009 by lt1fj40 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 The problem is that the crabs may harrass/kill your fish at night when they're sleeping. Also, some cichlids (and other fish) may try to eat the crabs, as crustaceans are part of their natural diet. I would start off with larger tetras, and would probably stay away from bottom-dwelling fish. It may be a bit of a "try and see" experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lt1fj40 Posted July 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 (edited) The problem is that the crabs may harrass/kill your fish at night when they're sleeping. Also, some cichlids (and other fish) may try to eat the crabs, as crustaceans are part of their natural diet.I would start off with larger tetras, and would probably stay away from bottom-dwelling fish. It may be a bit of a "try and see" experience. Yeah from my reading they say stay away from slower bottom dwellers..lol not sure how to pick that..lol Maybe some dwarf cichlids will be ok? The crabs I am talking about only ever get to the max of 2.5 inches and some of my other crab species only get 1" body size Edited July 13, 2009 by lt1fj40 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 Its always risky putting fish in with crabs. Fast top dwelling fish would be the best choice but even then they might get eaten or hurt. It also depends on the personality of the crab. I used to keep crayfish and one was crazy and spent all day trying to catch the fish and would eat any tankmate I added. Another of my crays did fine with a few tankmates and pretty much ignored them. So if you really want fish in with your crab test it out with a few cheap fish like danios. That way if they become food its not too expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishclubgirl Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 You know there is anti crab soap for that sort of thing, lol!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesp Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 Hey, I kept some red claw crabs for a while in a semi aggressive community tank with no problem. I had: Tiger barbs, Gouramis, rams, even some angels I think, and a bunch of others. I did not keep mollies or guppies or anything, but from what I understand, those crabs would not hurt my fish. They are not like crayfish, which I also had, which was in with my mbunas for a long time and the risk was to the mbunas, not the crayfish. I would say, nothing that has fins like a male betta or a guppy but also lives on the bottom. Other than that I think even alright sized tetras would be fine. (Such are my thoughts in anycase). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lt1fj40 Posted July 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Nice good to hear everyone, I got them yesterday afternoon and put them in my 80 gal with some tiger barbs and tetras. The crabs are young and small but so are the fish and the all pretty much leave each other alone. It is funny the crabs run away as soon as any fish comes up to them. LOL One day they will realize they are the predators.. There are a bunch of big rocks that create a bunch of caves so plenty places to hide, so I hope all will stay well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesp Posted July 17, 2009 Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 I have heard mixed things about giving the crabs places to climb out of the water. Have you read things from people who have kept them long term? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lt1fj40 Posted July 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 Yeah pretty much every crab I look up they say give access to a place out of the water. There are fully aquatic ones but they are rare and hard to get in north america... It depends on the crab I guess...even in the same species some like it in the water and some like it on land..almost all of mine seem to like the water.. I used a 3d back ground for my tank that is made out of foam board and the crabs can crawl up it super easy so that is a bonus and a problem all in one. The bonus is I dont have to drain my tank low to have a way for the crabs to get above the water line but the problem is i have to make sure the lid is super tight or else they will all crawl out.. Long term we shall see, the guy I got them from has had this species for 3 years in a similar setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fergy Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Yeah the common red claw crabs you see definitely need access to land, from what I've read. LFS have told me otherwise, so I wouldn't doubt they've told other people the same. A few months ago I searched high and low for a fully aquatic FW crab and couldn't come up with anything. Will stick with my electric blue in my small community tank for now. So mild mannered he runs from any fish he sees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.