{"product_id":"land-crab-8-12cm-for-sale-uk","title":"Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab (Cardisoma armatum)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview of Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eland crab\u003c\/strong\u003e, scientifically known as \u003cem\u003eCardisoma armatum\u003c\/em\u003e, a striking, colorful terrestrial crab that thrives in a warm, humid paludarium with plenty of land, hiding places, and a varied diet.. Cardisoma armatum is a species of terrestrial crab.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to West Africa, especially coastal regions and brackish\/terrestrial habitats of Nigeria and surrounding areas, this moderate-care species belongs to the Gecarcinidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCardisoma armatum\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gecarcinidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 - 12 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank:\u003c\/strong\u003e at least 75, preferably larger (around 100+ for a single adult) litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance and Distinguishing Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab is a striking terrestrial crab with vibrant coloration including blue, purple, orange, and red tones. Their impressive carapace and powerful claws make them a fascinating addition to a paludarium setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat and Origin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eCardisoma armatum\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits west africa, especially coastal regions and brackish\/terrestrial habitats of nigeria and surrounding areas. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWest African waters range from acidic blackwater streams to brackish coastal regions. The diverse habitats have produced an incredible variety of fish species adapted to specific ecological niches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup and Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum tank size of \u003cstrong\u003eat least 75, preferably larger (around 100+ for a single adult) litres\u003c\/strong\u003e is essential for housing Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a terrestrial species requiring a paludarium with at least 70-80% land area. Provide deep, moist substrate (10-15 cm) for burrowing, multiple hiding places, and a shallow water area for drinking and bathing. Temperature and humidity must be carefully maintained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert Tip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake time to acclimate new fish slowly (1-2 hours drip acclimation) to prevent shock. Patience during introduction pays dividends in long-term health and survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters and Chemistry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-28C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0-8.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e See species-specific requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm (zero tolerance)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Below 20 ppm ideally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerately soft to slightly hard water suits this adaptable species. Regular water testing and gradual parameter adjustments ensure long-term stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a omnivore, Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied omnivorous diet of quality crab pellets, algae, blanched vegetables, leaf litter, fruits in moderation, and occasional protein such as bloodworms, earthworms, insects, or small pieces...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVary the diet between quality flakes\/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab is classified as \u003cstrong\u003esemi-aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect territorial behavior, especially during breeding or in undersized tanks. Provide ample space and visual barriers to reduce conflict. This species may view smaller fish as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a terrestrial crab that needs a land-dominant paludarium with deep, moist substrate for burrowing, secure escape-proof lid, access to both land and shallow water, and high humidity. Do not...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatible Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible species include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest kept alone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid housing with:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther crabs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSnails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlow or bottom-dwelling fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding and Reproduction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding is uncommon in home aquaria because this species has complex reproductive needs and typically requires very specific brackish-to-marine conditions for larval development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab from Tropical Fish Co UK\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you choose Tropical Fish Co for your land crab purchase, you benefit from:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpert Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe Delivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee:\u003c\/strong\u003e We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOngoing Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert care advice available whenever you need it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Land Crab, (African) rainbow crab, (Nigerian) moon crab, Patriot crab specimens are among the finest land crab available online today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"8 - 12 cm","offer_id":57427527565647,"sku":"K086","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"12 - 16 cm","offer_id":57456948871503,"sku":"K391","price":37.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/land-crab-rainbow-crab-moon-crab-patriot-crab-cardisoma-hero-driftwood-k086.webp?v=1776551565","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/land-crab-8-12cm-for-sale-uk","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}