🦀 Australian Native Freshwater Crab – Care Guide

📏 Adult Size

• Around 3–6 cm shell width (varies by species)

🏡 Tank Size

• Minimum 30–40L for 1 crab

• Bigger is always better, especially if housed with tank mates

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 18–26 °C

• pH: 6.5–8.0

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Water type: Freshwater only

🪨 Substrate & Setup

• Sand or fine gravel preferred

• Provide plenty of hiding spots:

  • Driftwood

  • Rocks

  • Caves

  • Leaf litter

• These crabs like to dig and hide, especially during moulting

🌱 Plants

• Hardy plants recommended:

  • Anubias

  • Java fern

  • Java moss

• Floating plants are a bonus
  ⚠️ Delicate plants may get damaged

🍽️ Diet (Omnivore)

Feed a varied diet:

• Algae wafers

• Shrimp/crab pellets

• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

• Occasional protein (bloodworms, brine shrimp)

👉 Feed small amounts, remove leftovers to keep water clean

🧍 Behaviour & Compatibility

• Mostly peaceful but territorial

• Best kept:

  • Alone

  • Or with fast, non-aggressive fish

• ❌ Avoid housing with slow fish, shrimp, or other crabs

• Can become aggressive if space is limited

🔄 Moulting

• Will shed their shell to grow

• Do not remove the old shell – they eat it for calcium

• Avoid disturbing them during this time

🚫 Important Notes

• Excellent escape artists → secure lid required

• Sensitive to poor water quality

• Not suitable for overstocked tanks

✅ Summary

✔ Hardy and fascinating native species
✔ Great for species tanks or calm community setups
✔ Needs hiding spots, clean water, and a secure lid

If you want, I can:

• Rewrite this as a short shop care card

• Simplify it for kids / school displays

• Tailor it to no-filter or low-tech tanks