Rainbow Crab
Origin
Rainbow crab (Cardisoma armatum) also referred to as the African rainbow crab, moon crab, patriot crab and soapdish crab is an amazing creature that originates from the coastal regions of western Africa. It is also found inland along the delta of the Volta river and some islands, most notably Cape Verde.
Species and Characteristics
Like its name suggests, rainbow crab is a colorful species of terrestrial crab. It has a bluish purple carapace, red to orange legs and whitish claws which make it a fascinating exotic pet. It can grow up to 8 inches across the carapace but most specimens reach only 4 inches if held in captivity. The males tend to be more colorful than females but their coloration fades over the years regardless if male or female. Males have a narrower carapace than females and larger claws of different sizes. Females, on the other hand, have claws of the same size.
The name soapdish crab that is used by some pet store owners is derived from their aggressive nature. Adult rainbow crabs are very aggressive to each other and will fight (often to death) if kept together. In order to prevent them from killing each other, they are kept in soap dishes when shipped to pet stores.
Diet
Like most crab species, rainbow crabs eat just about anything they get their claws to. They are omnivores and should be offered vegetables, fruits, live food such as earthworms, fish, and crab and turtle pellets. Rainbow crab owners claim that they can recognize their keepers and that eventually, they can be fed by hand but it is recommendable to use tweezers because they can pinch hard. Also, offer them smashed eggshells or cuttlebone which are excellent sources of calcium.
Housing
Rainbow crabs should be held in a plastic or glass tank of about 10 to 15 gallon. They should not be held together, not even males and females because they will fight. They are not seen together in their natural habitat unless mating. If you decide to keep more than one rainbow crab, the enclosure should include a barrier between them.
These colorful crabs are terrestrial crabs and spent most of their life on land but they require access to water as well. An optimal housing for rainbow crab is an aquarium with about two thirds of land surface. The latter should include a thick layer of a mixture of sand and soil because they like to burrow. They should be also provided lots of hiding places and will appreciate if you add some stones and logs into the tank. Be careful with the water which should include stones or wood in order to allow your pet to climb out of it.
Rainbow crabs are cold blooded which means that they need heat from an outer source. They should be kept at about 75 F.
Reproduction
Although rainbow crabs are terrestrial crabs the females release their eggs into water after successful mating. Eggs develop into tiny larvae and later into young crabs which must return to the land before fully developed otherwise they drown. Rainbow crabs do not breed in captivity.
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