In the wild, sand crabs burrow into the sand as seawater washes over the shore. The larger sand crabs feed on baby turtles and seagull carcasses; smaller crabs feed on molluscs, worms, plankton and algae. Sand crabs are saltwater creatures that require high temperatures to survive. Therefore, these animals are difficult to keep in an aquarium. If you must keep sand crabs in an aquarium, be sure to fill the tank with fresh, plankton-rich beach sand.
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Method 1 of 2: Studying Wild Sand Crab
Step 1. Understand the behavior of sand crabs in the wild
The crabs dig into the littoral sand as the waves wash over the shore. The crabs find most of their food from what is buried in the sand. The term "sand crab" describes a variety of large (often vicious) and small (often scavengers) species, so you will have to match how you feed the particular crab you have. Pay attention to the differences between large and small sand crabs:
- Large sand crabs tend to eat live or decaying prey found while burrowing. These prey can be smaller crabs, baby turtles and seabird carcasses. When the big crabs dig, they wind up in the sand. This helps water and air circulate within the crabs' habitat.
- The tiny sand crab feeds on mollusks, worms, plankton and algae. These creatures are mostly scavengers: they maintain ecosystems by eating decaying organic matter that can harbor harmful bacteria.
Step 2. Pay attention to the sand crab's natural way of eating
The crabs bury themselves in the sand overlooking the ocean. Only the eyes and front antennae are visible. As the waves recede and wash over the creature, the crab develops a second double antennae that filters out tiny plankton from the water. This movement occurs very quickly. Therefore, a sand crab can collect some plankton in each shrinking wave.
Most crabs can move in all directions-forward, backward and sideways-but a sand crab can only move backwards. Therefore, the sand crab must position its body carefully to get food from the incoming waves
Step 3. Know the reproductive habits of sand crabs
In the wild, reproduction occurs mostly in the spring and summer. A female can produce as many as 45,000 eggs. The female carries the eggs on her abdomen until the eggs hatch, in about 30 days. For two to four months, the larvae float like plankton. Waves can carry larvae far across the ocean.
Sand crabs can reproduce during their first year of life if the water is warm enough. The crabs usually don't live longer than two to three years
Method 2 of 2: Storing Sand Crab in a Tank
Step 1. Think about the difficulties of retrieving sand crabs from the wild
These creatures are coastal creatures, and require high temperatures to survive. Sand crabs live with the waves, and it is difficult to replicate the littoral ecosystem in which crabs thrive. What's more, sand crabs eat a variety of foods that you may find it difficult to provide the various types of food that crabs usually eat.
Step 2. Fill the tank with fresh beach sand and seawater
In the wild, sand crabs bury themselves in wet sand and catch plankton with their antennae. Emulate this process by filling the crab habitat with beach sand, then pouring seawater on top of the sand several times a day. Use any glass aquarium. Remember that sand crabs cannot dig into sand that is too dry or too dense.
- Try to take the beach sand directly from the ecosystem where you get the crabs. The beach sand in that area may contain insects and microorganisms needed by crabs.
- Sand crabs naturally congregate on the shoals so it's fine to keep several sand crabs in the same tank. However, keep in mind that large crabs like to eat smaller crabs.
Step 3. Refill the tank with seawater regularly
Homemade saltwater doesn't work very well; The water must contain algae and plankton. You can buy plankton, algae and seawater for your aquarium at aquarium supply and ornamental fish stores. Keep in mind that this equipment can be expensive.
Note that this method is intended for a short-term experiment in studying the behavior of sand crabs. There is no need to keep sand crabs as pets in the long term and sustainably. If you're only trying to study sand crabs for a short period of time, try returning them to the wild when you're done
Step 4. Consider choosing hermit crabs
Sand crabs are tough and often nearly impossible to keep as pets. If you are looking for crabs that are easy to raise and feed, choose the hermit crab. Do research, create habitats and raise hermit crabs.
