Dwarf crab - Signal crab - Ilyoplax sp

This pretty little freshwater crab belongs to the genus Ilyoplax, the so-called signal crabs. It reaches a maximum head carapace diameter of 2 cm. Its characteristic claws are orange with white tips, and the eye stalks, which sit in front on the brown carapace, are unusually long. Males can be easily distinguished from females by the V-shaped abdominal flap. In females it is wider and rounder, similar to a U.

This mangrove crab is a group animal with a very characteristic mode of communication via scissor signals and knocking signs. They should be kept in a group of at least three to five animals, and a surplus of females is recommended. Single keeping is not recommended.

This Ilyoplax sp. needs an aquaterrarium with a large water section that can contain fresh water. Since the animals live in mangrove areas, light brackish water is also possible. The land part should be designed with terrarium humus or another material in which the dwarf crabs can create their living caves. There is nothing against planting the aquaterrarium, but you should make sure that the plants used have not been treated with fertilizers or insecticides. This is especially true for land plants from conventional production! Mosses are especially welcome in the aquatic and terrestrial parts, as they provide good hiding places for these pretty little crabs. For a small group of three to five animals we recommend an aquaterrarium of 60 cm length.

If the water part is large enough, it can also accommodate a shrimp species that can cope with the water values. Especially Neocaridina are a good choice, because they tolerate light brackish water. When designing the aquaterrarium, make sure that there is at least one exit from the water part and at least one hiding place more than crabs. Socialization with other crabs and crayfish is not possible. Breeding of this Ilyoplax sp. is not easy, because larvae hatch from the eggs carried under the abdominal flap, which need brackish or seawater for their development. The rearing is similar to the larvae of the Amano shrimp, with the difference that the shrimp larvae also eat artemia euplii early on.

Ilyoplax sp. eat practically any food, they are omnivores. Special crab food is of course gladly taken, and brown autumn leaves should always be present on the land and in the water part, as it is also a main food of these dwarf crabs in nature. Frozen food is also readily taken along with various vegetables.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.