Limulus polyphemus, known as the Atlantic horseshoe crab, is a living fossil with a distinctive, prehistoric appearance. This Extra Extra Large specimen offers a striking display for advanced marine aquarium enthusiasts.
Care Level: Moderate to Advanced. Horseshoe crabs require stable water conditions and a suitably large tank to thrive.
Feeding: Limulus polyphemus is a scavenger that feeds primarily on molluscs, worms, and detritus. In captivity, provide a diet of small molluscs, marine worms, and sinking pellets or frozen meaty foods to ensure nutritional balance.
Compatibility: Generally peaceful but best kept with non-aggressive tankmates. Avoid housing with predatory fish or invertebrates that may harm the horseshoe crab.
Reef Safety: With Caution. While not known to harm corals directly, their foraging behaviour can disturb delicate reef substrates and sessile invertebrates.
Tank Requirements: A minimum tank size of 180 litres (40 gallons) is recommended to provide ample space for movement and foraging. Maintain stable marine parameters with a temperature range of 18-24°C, salinity of 1.023-1.025, and moderate water flow.
Placement: Provide a sandy or fine gravel substrate to mimic their natural habitat, allowing natural burrowing and foraging behaviour.
Origin: Native to the Atlantic coast of North America.
Maximum Size: Up to 60 cm (24 inches) in length.
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