Is my fiddler lonely?

melissa3

melissa3

AC Members
Mar 28, 2007
253
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0
Western MA
Quick question:

I have 1 female fiddler in a 5gal tank. Its a half dry/half wet setup, with rocks and sand for her to dig and tunnel through and I filter the water with an internal mini-filter.

I've had her for about 2 months and things seem to be going good. Her water is completely brackish now and she spends most of her time in it, instead of out. And she's even molted recently :) But she's seems a little lethargic and I'm wondering if crabs are better off alone or in pairs/groups?

I've been considering getting her a buddy, maybe another female or even a male, but since things seem good right now, I don't want to muck things up, you know? Also, how much space do crabs need? Would a 5gal be too small for 2 crabs? Any ideas or advice is appreciated. :grinyes:
 
The first time I had fiddlers, I bought two males and they got along and one molted. After a couple of months they both became lethargic and died within three days of each other. At the time I was only using dechlorinator until I found out that they needed marine salt. A filter would also optimize their lifespan as well.

Do you use a dechlorinator, marine salt, and filter?
 
I think a 5 gal would be ok for 2 crabs, but I never knew they were social. I'll let a more experienced person answer, but I think one in 5 would be ok. By lethargic do you mean she isnt moving as much as she used to?
 
I am new to owning fiddler crabs but I have read that they do best in pairs. Not sure about the size though. I have my two in a 10 gallon tank, and that even seems cramped to me.
 
Well, I took the chance and added another female. They don't bother eacth other too much, but get a little feisty when they "surprise" each other between the rocks. Otherwise, they've both molted and continue eating so I guess all is ok.

Ny the way, I use stress coat to declorinate, I use Instant Ocean marine salt and and one small drop of calcium supplement (for sw tanks.)

I do have another qeustion - I read that fiddler crabs are "land animals and need access to water." However, mine are in the water 90% of the time. Is it normal for them to spend so much time submerged?
 
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