Horseshoe Crab

Color: Translucent White/Tan
Maximum Size: 2'
Region: Atlantic Ocean

Family: Limulidae
Reef Status: Safe (1-2") / Caution (3-4") / Not Safe (5"»)

Diet: Scavenger; supplemented with mysis shrimp
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1" to 1.5"

The Atlantic horseshoe crab, also known as the American horseshoe crab, is a species of marine and brackish chelicerate arthropod. Despite their name, horseshoe crabs are more closely related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions than to crabs. This species is found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast of North America.

Horseshoe crabs will dig almost nonstop through substrate in search of worms and organic debris. They are reef safe when small and can grow to large sizes.

Observations
A tank size of at least 40 gallons with plenty of roaming area is recommended for horseshoe crabs, as they easily get hung-up and caught in rocks, ledges and crevices. From our experience, they grow rather slowly and don't outgrow most aquariums.