Care Sheet -Halloween Crab

Scientific name
Gecarcinus quadratus
Habitat
Caribbean and Central America woody habitats, tropical coasts of America at the
Pacific and Atlantic
Size
Up to 7 cm
Life Expectancy
Up to 10 years
Reproduction
No reports about breeding in captivity.
Temperature
Between 23-28C.
Humidity
70-90%
Lighting
Halogen Sun Mini in combination with the Exo Terra Glow Light reflector is
sufficient as heat and light source.
Substrate
The best option is to divide the tank into two zones. One with Sand and the other with
moist Jungle Bedding forest bark and moss.
Dcor
Terrarium of the appropriate size. Important are two flat water bowls. One should be
filled with a water calcium mix and the other should be a mix of water and sea salt, so
that the animals can satisfy their needs of regaining salt and lost minerals. Only
Marine salt as used for marine aquariums should be used and mixed in accordance
with the instructions to the correct mix. Both water bowls should be replenished with
fresh water and marine water as the crabs easily foul the water. Plenty of hiding places
should be available.
Terrarium Size
From 80x40x40 cm for a group of 2-3 animals
Food
Omnivores. Leaves, vegetables, fruit, fish, live food, dry food such as pellets.
Comments

Halloween crabs can be kept in larger groups. Therefore additional hiding places
should exist, such as flat cork or small caves. The crabs like digging so allow them a
2 depth of substrate at least.
John Gamesby