{"product_id":"sally-lightfoot-or-spray-crab-percnon-gibbesi-m","title":"Sally lightfoot or spray crab — Sally Lightfoot Crab (Percnon gibbesi) M","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Sally Lightfoot Crab, also known as the spray crab, \u003cem\u003ePercnon gibbesi\u003c\/em\u003e, is a striking, fast-moving marine crab prized for its bright colouring, long legs and energetic personality. This medium-sized specimen is a fantastic choice for aquarists looking to add a unique invertebrate to a marine setup. It is best known for its grazing behaviour and constant activity, often seen picking at rockwork, glass and algae-covered surfaces throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike many crabs that are best described as purely decorative, \u003cem\u003ePercnon gibbesi\u003c\/em\u003e is an engaging and useful addition to the aquarium. It can contribute to algae control and will happily forage for leftover food, making it a practical choice as well as an attractive one. While generally peaceful, it is still a crab and should be housed with care, especially around very small tank mates, delicate invertebrates and freshly molted animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy marine livestock with a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, so your new crab arrives in excellent condition and ready to settle into its new home.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommendation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003ePercnon gibbesi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSally Lightfoot Crab \/ Spray Crab\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenerally peaceful, but opportunistic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to around 8 cm carapace width, larger with legs extended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22–26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore; algae, detritus, prepared marine foods, meaty scraps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottom \/ rockwork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePercnon gibbesi\u003c\/em\u003e is found in warm marine waters across the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, including rocky shorelines, reef edges and wave-battered coastal zones. In nature, it is a highly agile crab that lives among crevices, boulders and surge channels where it can dart quickly to safety. Its flattened body and long legs are well adapted to clinging to rough surfaces and moving rapidly over uneven rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis natural habitat explains much of its aquarium behaviour. Sally Lightfoot Crabs are most comfortable in tanks with plenty of live rock, hiding places and open surfaces for grazing. They are not sedentary animals; they are active explorers that prefer to roam and pick at surfaces rather than remain hidden all day. A mature marine environment with stable water chemistry closely mirrors the conditions they experience in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA well-established marine aquarium is essential for keeping \u003cem\u003ePercnon gibbesi\u003c\/em\u003e successfully. As with most marine invertebrates, stability is more important than chasing exact numbers. Provide a tank with plenty of rockwork, caves and ledges, along with secure gaps and a tightly fitting lid, as these crabs are capable climbers and may attempt to leave the aquarium if given the chance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this species is active and can be territorial in limited space, a minimum of 100 litres is recommended, with larger systems preferred if keeping it with fish or other invertebrates. Strong filtration, good oxygenation and regular maintenance will help maintain the clean, stable conditions this crab needs. Moderate water movement is ideal, especially around the rockwork, but avoid blasting the crab directly with strong flow at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIdeal marine parameters are a temperature of 22–26°C, salinity of 1.023–1.025, and pH between 8.1 and 8.4. Ammonia and nitrite should always be zero, and nitrate should be kept as low as practical through routine water changes and efficient filtration. As with all crustaceans, avoid sudden changes in salinity or temperature, as these can cause stress and moulting problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRocky décor is especially important. Live rock provides both grazing surfaces and natural shelter, while also supporting beneficial microfauna that the crab may pick at. Fine sand is not essential, but a mixed reef substrate with plenty of hardscape works very well. Ensure there are no sharp edges or unstable rock piles, as this species is quick and may climb over structures repeatedly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSally Lightfoot Crabs are omnivorous scavengers with a strong preference for algae and biofilm, but they should not be relied upon to survive on algae alone. Offer a varied diet that includes marine algae, sinking herbivore pellets, spirulina-based foods, frozen mysis, chopped shellfish, krill and other suitable meaty marine foods in moderation. They will also consume leftover fish food and detritus from the substrate and rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed small amounts several times per week, adjusting based on the age of the aquarium and the amount of natural grazing available. In a mature reef or fish-only system with plenty of algae growth, the crab may need less supplemental feeding than in a very clean tank. A varied diet helps support colour, moulting and long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike all crabs, \u003cem\u003ePercnon gibbesi\u003c\/em\u003e requires calcium and trace minerals to support a healthy exoskeleton. A stable marine environment and a balanced diet will help it moult successfully. During and immediately after moulting, the crab may hide more than usual and should not be disturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is usually best kept with robust marine fish and similarly sized invertebrates. Good tank mates include clownfish, gobies, blennies, wrasses, tangs and other peaceful to semi-active reef fish. It can also work in fish-only marine systems and some reef aquariums, provided the aquarist understands that it is an opportunistic scavenger.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCare should be taken with very small shrimp, tiny crabs, newly moulted invertebrates and slow-moving or delicate species. While many individuals are peaceful, any crab may nip if hungry or if a tank mate is vulnerable. Avoid housing with highly aggressive fish that may harass it, as well as very small ornamental crustaceans that could be viewed as food. In a reef tank, keep an eye on sessile invertebrates and ensure the crab is well fed to reduce unwanted picking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is also wise to avoid overcrowding. A crab that feels cramped or underfed is more likely to become bold and troublesome. Plenty of rockwork, regular feeding and stable water conditions are the best ways to encourage natural, manageable behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you order a Sally Lightfoot Crab from Tropical Fish Co, you can buy with confidence. We carefully select healthy marine livestock and pack every order with attention to detail, helping to ensure your animal arrives in excellent condition. Our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e gives you added peace of mind, while our \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e service helps reduce transit stress and get your new crab into its aquarium quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe understand that marine invertebrates need stable, well-handled transport and clear care information. That is why we aim to provide accurate species guidance, quality livestock and dependable service from order to arrival. Whether you are building a reef display or adding a useful algae grazer to a marine setup, \u003cem\u003ePercnon gibbesi\u003c\/em\u003e is a fascinating choice that brings movement, character and natural behaviour to the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose Tropical Fish Co for healthy stock, expert support and a smooth online ordering experience. With the right setup, your Sally Lightfoot Crab can become a long-lasting and entertaining part of your marine aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57446787875151,"sku":"M925","price":40.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/sally-lightfoot-or-spray-crab-percnon-gibbesi-m-hero-driftwood-m925.webp?v=1776556108","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/sally-lightfoot-or-spray-crab-percnon-gibbesi-m","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}