• Name:

    Calico Crab

    (View AKA's)
  • Family:
  • Species: Crab
  • Scientific Name: Hepatus epheliticus
More Details

Also Know As:

| Calico Box Crab

General info about Calico Crab

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. 

Calico Crab Diet & Nutrition

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

Determining Sex of Calico Crab

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

Breeding & Spawning Calico Crab

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 Origin

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

Caution with Calico Crab

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. 

Acclimating Calico Crab

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.

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Original Detail

Name Species Family Scientific Name More Detail Added by
Calico Crab Crab Hepatus epheliticus

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. 

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