Horse shoe crabs

[gulfstream]

Over the last few weeks I've been contemplating on adding new
inverts to my system.
This specimens are Horseshoe crabs,However there isn't many tanks which have this guys for me to gather on.
can any body help me on this topic.
is it a hardy specimen? and what requirements do they need.?
thanks

 

[greenbean36191]

They need tanks with large open sandbeds in the 100 sq ft range and lots of infauna to feed on. There aren't many tanks with them because they're completely unsuited to hobbyist tanks. If fed properly they will reach nearly 2 feet. If fed improperly they slowly starve.

 

[coralnut99]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12575690#post12575690 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by greenbean36191
They need tanks with large open sandbeds in the 100 sq ft range and lots of infauna to feed on. There aren't many tanks with them because they're completely unsuited to hobbyist tanks. If fed properly they will reach nearly 2 feet. If fed improperly they slowly starve.

Years ago you would see them washed up on atlantic coast beaches. The big ones must've weighed 10 lbs. You barely see them anymore. As Greenbean notes, this is one specimen that's just really unsuited for home aquariums for any extended period of time.

 

[billsreef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12578165#post12578165 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coralnut99
You barely see them anymore.

It's a combination of factors, shoreline hardening that eliminates breeding beaches, overfishing (lobster bait and the medical industry), and lastly pollution.

 

[coralnut99]

Bill, aren't they actually protected now in some states to some extent?

 

[billsreef]

I don't know about other states regulations, but in NY you need a permit and there is a catch limit. Some stretches of beach are protected, but only parklands, so not much in reality.

 

[mbbuna]

heres a few links if anyone is interested

http://www.virtualbirder.com/vbirder/realbirds/dbhsc/index.html

http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/DNREC2000/Admin/Press/Story1.asp?offset=125&PRID=2687

http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/fw/hcrabplan.htm

http://www.defenders.org/resources/...es/red_knot/horseshoe_crab_comment_letter.pdf

http://www.ocean.udel.edu/horseshoecrab/Fisheries/regulations.html

 

[coralnut99]

Interesting reading. I didn't have a clue they were used for bait. Thanks.

 

[FreakonaReef]

I bought a horseshoe crab a few years back, he was approx. 2" long. He has only doubled in 2 years. He does really dig up my sand bed when he comes out to feed though. Spend most of the time buried in the sand.

 

[gulfstream]

horseshoe crab

horseshoe crab

thanks Guys........
I've seen some at my Local LFS and was told that specific
type grows to about a foot.......However who can believe a LFS
employee right!!!.
from what I saw they sure move quick even climbed the glass
and never stayed in one place.......this type were about 2 inches long..head to tail....However I don't know if they will make it in my system considering they seem to prefer Live food.......which means competion for my Mandarin goby.......
PS.this really clears my doubts.
thanks

 

[titus164]

I found a dead one in fort myers last weekend. It was 6 inches long + tail. They are diggers and you better be sure your rocks are not going to move at all.

 

[vikubz]

Not too long ago there was a show on PBS or discovery about a particular shore bird that was in decline. The main food for this bird on its migration was horseshoe crab eggs. Due to the over harvesting of the crabs the birds were unable to get enough food to make their migration in good shape.

There are now more regulations about harvesting the crabs.

And they are not good for home aquariums.

 

[LJA]

I saw a live one washed up on the beach in central east coast of Florida where I live about two years ago, must have been about 1 1/2 feet from head to tail.

My LFS has had about half a dozen for sale about 3 inches long for the past three months. They look awesome but I would never get one for the reasons stated by greenbean.